Systems, methods, and articles of manufacture to measure, analyze and share golf swing characteristics

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of systems, methods, computer-readable media and article of manufacture related to putting stroke characteristics are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

CROSS REFERENCE

This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/524,257, filed on Jun. 15, 2012, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/246,663filed on Sep. 27, 2011, which claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/485,549 filed on May 12, 2011, and is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/391,647filed on May 11, 2011, and is a continuation in part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 29/391,657 filed on May 11, 2011. This patentapplication is also a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/524,257, filed on Jun. 15, 2012, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/497,891 filed on Jun. 16, 2011;U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/506,583 filed on Jul. 11,2011; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/522,165, filed on Aug.10, 2011; and, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/532,503 filedon Sep. 8, 2011. The disclosures of all of the above-referencedapplications are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to golf, and more particularly,to measure, analyze and share golf swing characteristics.

BACKGROUND

In golf, some training devices may be an integral part of a golf club(i.e., built-in). That is, the golf club may not be readily used forplay in a round of golf. Alternatively, other training devices may onlyfunction as a golf training device such that the training device may notbe used for other purposes. Instead of the types of training device forgolf mentioned above, individuals may want use already-owned and/oreveryday-used portable electronic devices as a training device for golf.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a front perspective view of an example portableelectronic device holder according to an embodiment of the methods andarticles of manufacture described herein.

FIG. 2 depicts a back perspective view of an example portable electronicdevice holder of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 depicts a front view of the example portable electronic deviceholder of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 depicts a back view of the example portable electronic deviceholder of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 depicts a first end view of the example portable electronicdevice holder of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 depicts a second end view of the example portable electronicdevice holder of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 depicts a first side view of the example portable electronicdevice holder of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 depicts a second side view of the example portable electronicdevice holder of FIG. 1 engaging a golf club shaft.

FIG. 9 depicts a bottom view of the example portable electronic deviceholder of FIG. 1 engaging a golf club shaft.

FIG. 10 depicts a front view of the example portable electronic deviceholder of FIG. 1 engaging a portable electronic device.

FIG. 11 depicts a visual representation of the example portableelectronic device holder of FIG. 1 engaging a golf club.

FIG. 12 depicts a visual representation of the example portableelectronic device holder of FIG. 1 engaging a golf flagstick.

FIG. 13 depicts a schematic diagram of a typical portable electronicdevice.

FIG. 14 depicts a schematic diagram of communication between typicalportable electronic devices.

FIG. 15 depicts a schematic diagram of a typical data communicationnetwork.

FIG. 16 depicts a block diagram representation of a process associatedwith the systems, methods, and articles of manufacture according to thedisclosure.

FIGS. 17-27 depict visual diagram representations of example strokecharacteristics according to the disclosure.

FIGS. 28-31 show an example golf club head.

FIG. 32 depicts a visual diagram representation of an example displayaccording to the disclosure.

FIGS. 33-34 depict block diagram representations of processes associatedwith the systems, methods, and articles of manufacture according to thedisclosure.

FIGS. 35-41 depict visual diagram representations of example displaysaccording to the disclosure.

FIGS. 42-43 depict block diagram representations of processes associatedwith the systems, methods, and articles of manufacture according to thedisclosure.

FIGS. 44-50 depict visual diagram representations of example displaysaccording to the disclosure.

FIG. 51 depicts a block diagram representation of a process associatedwith the systems, methods, and articles of manufacture according to thedisclosure.

FIGS. 52-58 depict visual diagram representations of example displaysaccording to the disclosure.

FIGS. 59-60 depict block diagram representations of processes associatedwith the systems, methods, and articles of manufacture according to thedisclosure.

FIG. 61 depicts a visual diagram representation of an example displayaccording to the disclosure.

FIGS. 62-65 depict diagrams of a golf cup including a sensor assemblyaccording to the disclosure.

FIGS. 66-67 depict schematic diagrams of an example sensor assemblyaccording to the disclosure.

FIGS. 68-70 depict block diagram representations of processes associatedwith the systems, methods, and articles of manufacture according to thedisclosure.

FIG. 71 depicts a schematic diagram of a golf ball having a sensoraccording to the disclosure.

FIG. 72 depicts a block diagram representation of a process associatedwith the systems, methods and articles of manufacture according to thedisclosure.

FIG. 73 depicts a schematic diagram of a camera mounted on a flagstickaccording to the disclosure.

FIG. 74 depicts a schematic diagram of a typical camera.

FIG. 75 depicts a side view of a portable electronic device mounted to agolf club shaft with a device holder according to the disclosure.

FIG. 76 depicts a side view of a portable electronic device mounted to aflagstick with a device holder according to the disclosure.

FIGS. 77-78 depict block diagram representations of processes associatedwith the systems, methods, and articles of manufacture according to thedisclosure.

FIGS. 79-81 depict three example putters according to the disclosure.

FIG. 82 depicts a block diagram representation of a process associatedwith the systems, methods, and articles of manufacture according to thedisclosure.

FIGS. 83-85 depict three example stroke type indicators according to thedisclosure.

FIG. 86 depicts a block diagram representation of a process associatedwith the systems, methods, and articles of manufacture according to thedisclosure.

FIGS. 87-95 depict visual diagram representations of example displaysaccording to the disclosure.

FIGS. 96-101 depict block diagram representations of processesassociated with the systems, methods, and articles of manufactureaccording to the disclosure.

FIGS. 102-103 depict visual diagram representations of example displaysaccording to the disclosure.

FIG. 104 depicts a block diagram representation of a process associatedwith the systems, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein.

FIGS. 105-112 depict visual diagram representations of example displaysaccording to the disclosure.

FIG. 113 depicts a block diagram representation of a process associatedwith the systems, methods, and articles of manufacture according to thedisclosure.

FIGS. 114-123 depict visual diagram representations of example displaysaccording to the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture associatedwith a portable electronic device holder are described herein. Themethods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture described herein are notlimited in this regard.

In the example of FIGS. 1-12, a portable electronic device holder 100may include a body portion 200 (e.g., generally shown in FIG. 2) and aclamp portion 300 (e.g., generally shown in FIG. 3). As described indetail below, and generally shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the portableelectronic device holder 100 may be configured to removably attach andsecure a portable electronic device 1000 such as a wirelesscommunication device and/or a portable media player to a golf club 798.In particular, the portable electronic device holder 100 may beconfigured to removably attach and secure the portable electronic device1000 to a golf shaft 800 of the golf club 798. As generally shown inFIG. 12, the portable electronic device holder 100 may also beconfigured to removably attach and secure the portable electronic device1000 to a golf flagstick 810. For example, the portable electronicdevice 1000 may be a media player (e.g., an IPOD® mobile digital devicefrom Apple Inc., Cupertino, Calif.), a wireless telephone (e.g., anIPHONE® mobile digital device from Apple Inc., Cupertino, Calif.), ahandheld computer, a global positioning system (GPS) device, a gameconsole device, a digital camera and/or a video camera. As described indetail below, the portable electronic device 1000 may be configured tooperate as a training device, a gaming device and/or a social networkingdevice (e.g., the portable electronic device 1000 may include aprocessor to execute a software application). In addition oralternatively, the portable electronic device 1000 may be configured tooperate as a telephone or a speaker broadcasting music. The apparatusand articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in thisregard.

In particular, the body portion 200 of the portable electronic deviceholder 100 may include a first body end 210, a second body end 220, afirst side portion 230, a second side portion 240, and a back portion250. One or more portions of the body portion 200 may include one ormore openings to accommodate for buttons, switches, ports, etc. of theportable electronic device 1000, generally shown as 212, 214, 222, and232. In one example, the first body end 210 may include an opening 212to accommodate a headphone jack and an opening 214 to accommodate apower switch of the portable electronic device 1000. The second body end220 may include an opening 222 to receive the portable electronic device1000. The first side portion 230 may include an opening 232 toaccommodate one or more buttons to control volume. The back portion 250may include an opening to accommodate a camera lens. The body portion200 may be made of semi-rigid molded plastic or other suitable typematerials. For example, the body portion 200 may be made ofpolycarbonate material and/or polypropylene material. The apparatus andarticles of manufacture described herein are not limited in theseregards.

In general, the portable electronic device 1000 may be able to slide inand out the body portion 200 via the opening 222 of the second body end220. The first body end 210, the second body end 220, the first sideportion 230, the second side portion 240, and the back portion 250 maybe configured to secure the portable electronic device 900 so that theportable electronic device 1000 does not slide out from the body portion200 without being pulled away from the portable electronic device holder100. For example, the first body end 210, the first side portion 230,and/or the second side portion 240 may be curved or contoured in amanner to accommodate the outer shape of the portable electronic device1000. The back portion 250 may include a material, which helps to retainthe portable electronic device 1000 in the body portion 200 viafriction. While the above examples may describe various openings at orproximate to particular portions, the apparatus, the methods, and thearticles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The clamp portion 300 may include a first clamp end 310, a second clampend 320, a first arm portion 330, and a second arm portion 340. Each ofthe first and second arm portions 330 and 340 may have a W-shapedconfiguration. In particular, the first arm portion 330 may include afirst support portion 332, a first arcuate portion 334, and a firstguide portion 336. The first support portion 332 of the first armportion 330 may extend from the back portion 240 of the body portion200. The first support portion 332 may be coupled to the first arcuateportion 334, which in turn, may be coupled the first guide portion 336.

In a similar manner, the second arm portion 340 may include a secondsupport portion 342, a second arcuate portion 344, and a second guideportion 346. The second support portion 342 of the second arm portion340 may extend from the back portion 250 of the body portion 200. Thesecond support portion 342 may be coupled to the second arcuate portion344, which in turn, may be coupled the second guide portion 346.

The clamp portion 300 may be made of a semi-rigid material such asplastic and/or other suitable type of materials. For example, the clampportion 300 may be made of polycarbonate material and/or polypropylenematerial. The first and second guide portions 336 and 346 may beconfigured to assist the golf club shaft 800 to engage the first andsecond arcuate portions 334 and 344. The first and second supportportions 332 and 342 may be configured to provide flexibility so thatthe clamp portion 300 may engage the golf club shaft 800 or theflagstick 810.

In one example as shown in FIG. 9, the first and second arcuate portions334 and 344 may be configured to engage the golf club shaft 800 or theflagstick 810 (i.e., a cross-sectional view of the golf club shaft 800is shown). The first and second arcuate portions 334 and 344 may beconfigured to engage golf club shafts or flagsticks with variousdiameter sizes. For example, the first and second arcuate portions 334and 344 may be configured to engage golf club shafts having a diameterof at least 0.3 inches. With some golf club shafts taper from one end toanother (e.g., 0.335 inches at the tip end and 0.6 inches at the buttend), the first and second arcuate portions 334 and 344 may beconfigured to engage golf club shafts having a diameter ranging from 0.4inches to 0.6 inches. The first and second arcuate portions 334 and 344may be configured to engage flagsticks having a diameter of 0.5-1.0inch. The apparatus, the methods, and the articles of manufacturedescribed herein are not limited in this regard.

The clamp portion 300 may also include a bumper portion 350. Inparticular, a portion of the golf club shaft 800 or the flagstick 810may rest against the bumper portion 350. The bumper portion 350 mayprevent or reduce damage to the graphics of the golf club shaft 800, thegolf club shaft 800 itself, and/or the flagstick 810.

In the example of FIGS. 8-11, the golf club shaft 800 may include a buttend 810 and a tip end 820. A grip 815 may be located at or proximate tothe butt end 810 whereas a golf club head 825 may be located at orproximate to the tip end 820. The portable electronic device holder 100may engage the golf club shaft 800 of a golf club at or proximate to thebutt end 810. To engage the golf club shaft 800, the portable electronicdevice holder 100 may be rotated 180 degrees from the orientation of theportable electronic device holder 100 shown in FIG. 7. As shown in FIG.8, for example, the first end portion 210 of the portable electronicdevice holder 100 may point towards the tip end 820 of the golf clubshaft 800 whereas the second end portion 220 of the portable electronicdevice holder 100 may point towards the butt end 810 of the golf clubshaft 800. The apparatus, the methods, and the articles of manufacturedescribed herein are not limited in this regard.

In the example of FIG. 10, a portable electronic device 1000 may includea top portion 1010, a bottom portion 1020, and a display portion 1030.The body portion 200 of the portable electronic device holder 100 mayreceive the portable electronic device 1000. In particular, the topportion 1010 of the portable electronic device 1000 may slide throughthe opening 222 of the second body end 220. The first body end 210 ofthe body portion 200 may be configured to abut the top portion 1010 ofthe portable electronic device 1000. The portable electronic deviceholder 100 may include an opening so that the display portion 1030 ofthe portable electronic device 1000 may be visible. In one example, theportable electronic device 1000 may operate as a training device forgolf. Accordingly, any visual representation may be generated on thedisplay portion 1030, which can be seen by an individual while theportable electronic device 1000 is secured to the portable electronicdevice holder 100. The apparatus, and the articles of manufacturedescribed herein are not limited in this regard.

The portable electronic device 1000 may communicate with a server,directly with another portable electronic device, with another portableelectronic device through a server, and/or with a network as describedin detail below. Referring to FIG. 13, the portable electronic device1000 may include a processing device 1110, a plurality of sensors 1112,a graphical user interface (GUI) 1114, and a data storage device 1116.The portable electronic device 1000 may also include an input and outputport (I/O port, not shown) and/or one or more transceivers (not shown).Furthermore, the portable electronic device 1000 may include one or moreGlobal Positioning Sensors (GPS, not shown) for determining location.The processing device 1110 may execute instructions that are stored inthe storage device 1116 to perform any of the processes according to thedisclosure. The plurality of sensors 1112 may include accelerometers tomeasure accelerations and/or gyroscopes to determine an orientation ofthe portable electronic device 1000, which may be used to determinestroke characteristics of an individual as described in detail below.The GUI 1114 may generate one or more visual displays associated withthe processes according to the disclosure. The data storage device 1116,which may be any type of data memory device, may store data associatedwith any of the processes according to the disclosure. The systems,methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited inthis regard.

The portable electronic device 1000 may include one or more user inputdevices (not shown), such as a touch screen graphical user interface, analphanumeric keyboard, push-type buttons, rotating dials, a joystick, atrackball, and/or a touchpad. Accordingly, an individual may operate theportable electronic device 1000 and provide input to the portableelectronic device 1000 with one or more of the noted input devices ifany such input devices are provided on the portable electronic device1000. According to the disclosed examples, the GUI 1114 of portableelectronic device 1000 is a touch-screen display by which an individualcan select one or more displayed items, perform certain functions withthe portable electronic device, operate the portable electronic device,and/or provide input to the portable electronic device. For example, avirtual keyboard may be provided on the GUI 1114, by which an individualcan input alphanumeric characters by touching an area of the GUI 1114corresponding to the display of each character. In another example, theGUI 1114 may display one or more virtual windows having therein one ormore selectable menu items that can be selected by an individual bytouching an area of the GUI 1114 corresponding to the display of themenu item. Each menu item when selected may cause the portableelectronic device 1000 to perform a certain process or function such asany of the disclosed processes or functions. In yet another example, theGUI 1114 may display a graphical icon, selection of which by anindividual may cause the portable electronic device to perform a certainprocess or function, such as any of the disclosed processes offunctions, corresponding to the graphical icon. The displayed icon canbe selected by an individual by touching an area of the GUI 1114 wherethe graphical icon is displayed. The portable electronic device isdescribed herein as having a touch screen GUI 1114. However, anyportable electronic device may be used to perform the disclosedprocesses or function as disclosed. Thus, the systems, methods, andarticles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Two or more portable electronic devices may directly communicate witheach other. Referring to FIG. 14, three exemplary portable electronicdevices are shown generally as 1120, 1122, and 1124. The portableelectronic devices 1120, 1122, and 1124 may be configured to perform theprocesses according to the disclosure and/or operate as describedherein. The portable electronic devices 1120, 1122, and 1124 maycommunicate with each other directly via a wireless communication link(e.g., short-range wireless communication link). For example, theportable electronic devices 1120, 1122, and 1124 may operate inaccordance with Bluetooth® technology to communicate and/or exchangedata with each other. In addition or alternatively, the portableelectronic devices 1120, 1122, and 1124 may operate in accordance withthe 802.xx family of standards developed by the Institute of Electricaland Electronic Engineers (IEEE) and/or variations and evolutions ofthese standards (e.g., 802.11x, 802.15, 802.16x, etc.), Ultra Wideband(UWB), Near Field Communication (NFC), and/or radio frequencyidentification (RFID) to communicate and/or exchange data with eachother as described herein. In another example, the portable electronicdevices 1120, 1122, and 1124 may be within a particular distance (e.g.,up to 100 meters or 328 feet) of each other so that these devices mayautomatically detect the presence of each other to communicate and/orexchange data. The systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are notlimited in this regard.

Referring to FIG. 15, each portable electronic device may communicatewith a network 1150 including a server 1152. The server 1152 may receivedata from the portable electronic device and store the data. Theportable electronic device 1000 may receive data from the server 1152,receive updated instructions from the server 1152 to perform any of theprocesses according to the disclosure, and/or to receive newinstructions from the server 1152 to perform any of the processesaccording to the disclosure. Two portable electronic devices aregenerally shown as 1154 and 1156. In particular, the plurality ofportable electronic devices 1154 and 1156 may communicate with theserver 1152 directly and/or indirectly via one or more wired or wirelesscommunication links, which may be in accordance to a proprietarywireless communication protocol or any of the wireless communicationprotocols described herein. Data stored on the server 1152 may be sharedand accessed by the portable electronic devices 1154 and 1156. Otherportable electronic devices such as a desktop computer (e.g., one shownas 1158), a laptop computer (e.g., one shown as 1160), and/or a tabletdevice (e.g., one shown as 1162) may also send data to and receive datafrom the server 1152, and access the data stored on the server 1152 viathe Internet 1164.

Referring back to FIG. 14, the first portable electronic device 1120 mayshare data in real time with the second portable electronic device 1122and/or the third portable electronic device 1124 directly (e.g., via oneor more wired and/or wireless communication links). In addition oralternatively, the first portable electronic device 1120 may share databy transmitting to a display or a monitor directly (e.g., via one ormore wired and/or wireless communication links).

Referring to FIG. 15, the portable electronic device 1154 may share datawith other portable electronic devices via the server 1152 or withsystems (i.e., other servers or networks) remotely located from theserver (not shown) via the internet 1164. Accordingly, the portableelectronic device 1156 and/or other devices (e.g., the desktop computer1158, the laptop computer 1160, and/or the tablet device 1162) mayaccess data stored on the server 1152. The systems, methods, andarticles of manufacture are not limited in this regard.

While the examples provided herein may describe particular wirelesscommunication protocols, the systems, methods, and articles ofmanufacture described herein may operate in accordance with otherwireless communication protocols such as frequency division multipleaccess techniques such as frequency division multiple access (FDMA),time division multiple access (TDMA), and/or code division multipleaccess (CDMA). For example, the wireless communication protocols mayinclude Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), Wideband CDMA(W-CDMA), General Packet radio Services (GPRS), Enhanced Data GSMEnvironment (EDGE), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS),High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), Long Term Evolution (LTR),variations and evolutions of these standards, and/or other suitablewireless communication standards to communicate and/or exchange data.The systems, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein arereadily applicable to many specifications and/or standards developed byother special interest groups and/or standard development organizations(e.g., Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) Alliance, Worldwide Interoperabilityfor Microwave Access (WiMAX) Forum, Infrared Data Association (IrDA),Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), etc.).

The processes described herein may be implemented as machine-accessibleinstructions utilizing any of many different programming codes stored onany combination of machine-accessible media embodied in a mobileapplication (e.g., an app) and/or an online application for variouswired and/or wireless communication devices such as handheld computers,smartphones, portable media players, tablet computers, etc. In additionor alternatively, the machine-accessible instructions may be embodied ina volatile or non-volatile memory or other mass storage device (e.g., afloppy disk, a CD, and a DVD). For example, the machine-accessibleinstructions may be embodied in a machine-accessible medium such as aprogrammable gate array, an application specific integrated circuit(ASIC), an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), a read onlymemory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a flash memory, a magneticmedia, an optical media, and/or any other suitable type of medium. Thesystems, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are notlimited in this regard.

While example systems including, among other components, software orfirmware executed on hardware are disclosed herein, it should be notedthat such systems are merely illustrative and should not be consideredas limiting. In particular, it is contemplated that any or all of thedisclosed hardware, software, and/or firmware components could beembodied exclusively in hardware, exclusively in software, exclusivelyin firmware or in some combination of hardware, software, and/orfirmware.

A golf stroke may be defined as the complete movement of a golf club byan individual to strike a golf ball from a setup or address position tothe conclusion of a follow through position (i.e. continuous motion ofthe club after the ball is hit). Examples of golf strokes may be aputting stroke, a chipping stroke or a driving stroke. The disclosedsystems, methods, and articles of manufacture are described with respectto putting strokes. However, the disclosed systems, methods, andarticles of manufacture are not limited in this regard and are equallyapplicable to any type of golf stroke such as chipping strokes, drivingstrokes or any swinging action of a golf club by an individual foractually striking a golf ball or to simulate striking a golf ball.

The disclosed systems, methods, and articles of manufacture aredescribed with respect to a putter type of golf club. However, any typeof golf club may be used with the disclosed systems, methods, andarticles of manufacture. For example, a golf club for use with thedisclosed systems, methods, and articles of manufacture may be awood-type golf club, such as a driver-type golf club head, a fairwaywood-type golf club head (e.g., 2-wood golf club, 3-wood golf club,4-wood golf club, 5-wood golf club, 6-wood golf club, 7-wood golf club,8-wood golf club, or a 9-wood golf club), a hybrid-type golf club heador any other suitable type of golf club head with a hollow body or abody with one or more cavities, apertures, recesses or channels.Although the disclosed examples depict putter type golf clubs, theapparatus, articles of manufacture, and methods described herein may beapplicable to other types of golf club heads.

FIG. 15 shows a process 1200 (e.g., via the portable electronic device1000) configured to measure one or more stroke characteristics of anindividual associated with one or a plurality of putting strokes (block1202), generate a consistency score for the individual (block 1204)based on the measure stroke characteristics, and generate a puttinghandicap for the individual (block 1206) based on one or moreconsistency scores. The process 1200 may be further configured tocompare a consistency score and/or a putting handicap of an individualwith other individuals (block 1208), to fit an individual with golfclubs based on the individual's measured stroke characteristics (block1210), and/or to allow an individual to compete against one or morelocal or remotely located individuals (block 1212). The process 1200 andoperation of the electronic device 1000 when performing the process 1200is described in detail below.

Stroke characteristics may include closing angle, impact angle, tempo,shaft lie angle and shaft loft angle. Closing angle, for example, may bethe amount a striking face of a golf club turns during a downswing of aputting stroke. Impact angle, for example, may be defined by an angle ofthe striking face at impact. Tempo, for example, may be defined by aratio of a backswing time to a downswing time. Shaft lie angle, forexample, may be defined by the angle between the shaft of a golf cluband a vertical line at the moment of impact between the face of the golfclub and a ball. Shaft loft angle, for example, may be the defined bythe angle between the shaft and a vertical line extending from the clubface at the moment of impact between the club face and a ball.

FIGS. 17-19 show an exemplary club head 1212 having a club face 1214 forstriking a ball. Based on the closing angle, the process 1200 mayidentify a stroke type. Any number of stroke types may be identified bythe process 1200. Three common stroke types may be a straight-typestroke, a slight arc-type stroke, or a strong arc-type stroke. Referringto FIG. 17, the face 1214 may have relatively less face rotation in astraight-type stroke as illustrated by the generally straight line 1216whereas the face 1214 may have a greater face rotation in a slightarc-type stroke as illustrated by the arc 1218 of FIG. 18. Referring toFIG. 19, a strong arc-type stroke may be defined by the face 1214 havinga larger rotation than in the straight-type stroke and slight-arc-typestroke as illustrated by the arc 1220.

Referring to FIGS. 20-22, the impact angle of a putting stroke may be anangle of the striking face 1214 of the club head 1212 at impact relativeto an address position 1215 (shown with dashed lines). FIG. 20 shows thestriking face 1214 having an impact angle that is generally similar tothe address position 1215. FIGS. 21 and 22 show the impact angle to beopen and closed, respectively. An open position for a right handedplayer, which is generally shown in FIG. 21, may be defined by thestriking face 1214 of the club head 1212 oriented toward the right ofthe address position 1215 whereas a closed position, which is generallyshown in FIG. 22, may be defined by the striking face 1214 orientedtoward the left of the address position 1215. An open position for aleft handed player (not shown), may be defined by the striking face 1214of the club head 1212 oriented toward the left of the address position1215 whereas a closed position (not shown) may be defined by thestriking face 1214 of the club head 1212 oriented toward the right ofthe address position.

Referring to FIG. 23, the tempo of a putting stroke may be a ratio ofbackswing time (generally shown as 1224) to downswing time (generallyshown as 1226). For example, a back swing time of 700 milliseconds (ms)to a downswing time of 350 ms is a 2-to-1 tempo. A relatively consistenttempo may provide better control of distance.

Referring to FIG. 24, a shaft lie angle 1227 of a golf club may bedefined by the angle between the shaft 1229 and the vertical at themoment of impact between the club face 1214 and a golf ball.

Referring to FIGS. 25-27, shaft loft angle 1232 may be defined as theangle between the club shaft 1229 and a vertical line 1234 at the momentof impact between the club face 1214 and the golf ball. The club headmay have a loft relative to the shaft that is built into the golf club.Accordingly, the club head may have a different loft angle than theshaft loft angle 1232 at the moment of impact. Therefore, a non-zeroshaft loft angle 1232 has the effect of adding or subtracting to thebuilt-in loft angle of the club face 1214 at the moment of impact. Thevertical line 1234 may represent an address position of the shaft.However, certain individuals may orient the shaft at an angle relativeto vertical when in the address position. The shaft loft angle 1232 mayalso determine an offset distance 1236 by which an individual's handsgripping the shaft 1229 are offset relative to the club face 1214 at themoment of impact between the club face 1214 and the golf ball. As shownin FIG. 25, the shaft loft angle 1232 may position the individual'shands gripping the shaft 1229 to a position behind the club face 1214 atthe moment of impact between the club face 1214 and the golf ball, whichmay be referred to herein as the hands back position. In FIG. 26, theshaft loft angle 1232 is shown to be approximately zero. In FIG. 27, theshaft loft angle 1232 may position the individual's hands gripping theshaft 1229 to a position forward of the club face 1214 at the moment ofimpact between the club face 1214 and the golf ball, which may bereferred to herein as the hands forward position.

To perform the process 1200, the portable electronic device 1000 may beattached to a golf club (e.g., a putter-type golf club) via the portableelectronic device holder 100 as shown in FIG. 11. In a putting session,for example, the process 1200 may measure one or more strokecharacteristics (block 1202) associated with one or several puttingstrokes. For example, five putting strokes may be used by the process1200 to measure one or more stroke characteristics.

To measure one or more stroke characteristics as described above, theportable electronic device 1000 may measure linear and/or angularpositions and/or linear and/or angular motions (e.g. accelerations) of asection of the club shaft to which the portable electronic device 1000is attached along one, two or three axes continuously or at certain timeintervals prior to and after a face of the club head strike a ball.FIGS. 28-31 show an exemplary golf club 1240 for illustratingmeasurements that may be made by the portable electronic device 1000 todetermine one or more stroke characteristics and/or fitting anindividual with golf clubs as described in detail below. The golf club1240 may include a strike face 1242, a hosel 1244, and a shaft (aportion shown as 1246). The hosel 1244 may receive one end of the shaft1246 whereas the opposite end of the shaft 1246 may include a grip (notshown). An axis may extend through the shaft 1246 (i.e., a shaft axis1248). A center of gravity (CG) 1250 of the golf club 1240 may bedefined relative to the shaft axis 1248 and/or a CG angle 1252 relativeto a horizontal plane 1254 passing through the shaft axis 1248.

In one example, the portable electronic device 1000 may determine facerotation of the golf club 1240 relative to the shaft axis 1248 duringthe entire backswing and downswing sections of a golf stroke todetermine stroke type of an individual. The portable electronic device1000 may measure linear and/or angular accelerations in one or more axescontinuously or at discrete intervals during the entire golf swingstarting from the address position. Impact of the club head with theball may signal the end of the downswing. By measuring linear and/orangular accelerations from the address position to the impact positionof the club head at continuous or discrete intervals, an angle of theclub head may be calculated at each of the time intervals relative tothe angle of the club head or the club face at the address position.Therefore, rotation of the club face during the entire backswing anddownswing sections of a golf stroke may be determined.

In another example, the portable electronic device 1000 may measure anangle of rotation of the face of the golf club 1240 relative to an angleof the face at the address position 1215 shown in FIGS. 20-22. Theportable electronic device 1000 may measure the angle of rotation of theface of the golf club 1240 continuously or at certain intervals duringthe entire golf swing relative to the address position 1215 shown inFIGS. 20-22. Therefore, the angle of the face of the golf club 1242 atthe address position 1215 may be used as a reference angle relative towhich all rotation angles of the club face during the entire golf swingare measured.

The change between the first rotation angle 1258 and the second rotationangle 1262 or between any rotation angle and the angle at the addressposition 1215 may be used by the portable electronic device 1000 todetermine the stroke type for an individual. By measuring strokecharacteristics based on multiple putt attempts, consistency in theputting stroke characteristics can be identified in order to provide anaccurate measurement of putting stroke characteristics. In one example,a change in face rotation of less than 3.5 degrees may be classified asa straight stroke type. A change in face rotation in a range from 3.5 to7.5 degrees may be classified as a mid-arc stroke type. A change in facerotation of greater than 7.5 degrees may be classified as a strong-arcstroke type. While the above examples may provide particular ranges ofchange in face rotation for various stroke types, the systems, methods,and articles of manufacture described herein may use other suitableranges to classify stroke type.

As described in detail below, the process 1200 may generate a puttinghandicap (block 1204) based on measuring an individual's strokecharacteristics (block 1202). In particular, the process 1200 maycalculate a consistency score associated with each putting session todefine the repeatability of an individual's putting stroke. In oneexample, a relative low number may indicate a relatively consistentputting stroke whereas a relatively high number may indicate arelatively inconsistent putting stroke. Each putting session may includeat least one putting stroke (e.g., at least five putting strokes by anindividual). The process 1200 may generate the putting handicap based onone or a plurality of consistency scores (e.g., consistency scores fromlast ten putting sessions). The systems, methods, and articles ofmanufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The process 1200 may display the individual's stroke characteristics onthe graphical user interface (GUI) 1114. For example, the portableelectronic device 1000 may determine the individual's stroke type,impact angle, tempo, shaft lie angle and/or shaft loft angle asdiscussed in detail below. The portable electronic device 1000 may thendisplay in alphanumeric text, graphics or a combination thereof theindividual's stroke type, impact angle, tempo, shaft lie angle and/orshaft loft angle.

Referring back to FIGS. 13 and 15, the process 1200 may be performedwith the portable electronic device 1000 by instructions being executedwith the processing device 1110. The instructions may include one or aplurality of program codes and related data collectively definingsoftware stored in the data storage device 1116 and retrieved by theprocessing device 1110. Any instructions being executed with theprocessing device 1110 to perform any of the disclosed processesincluding the process 1200 may be generally referred to herein as thesoftware.

An individual may start any of the disclosed processes including theprocess 1200 by touching a graphic icon on the GUI 1114 corresponding tothe process. Alternatively, the individual may start a process bypressing one or more buttons on the portable electronic device 1000and/or with voice commands. Performing any of the disclosed processes,including the process 1200 may entail the processing device 1110retrieving at least a part of instructions such as a program code andany data associated with the retrieved part of the program code from thestorage device 1116 and executing the program code to operate theportable electronic device 1000 to perform the process.

The GUI 1114 may display an icon representing the software, which asdescribed in detail above, includes instructions that are executable bythe processor of the portable electronic device to perform any of thedisclosed processes including process 1200. For example, the icon may bean image of a golf club and a golf ball. To start the software (i.e.,execute instructions by the processor), an individual can touch the GUI1114 at or near the location where the icon is displayed. Subsequently,a main display 1300 is shown on the GUI 1114, an example of which isshown in FIG. 32. The main display 1300 may include a main menu 1302 bywhich the individual can select one or more of several functions of thesoftware to be performed by the portable electronic device 1000.

The main menu 1302 may include a practice icon 1304, a measure icon1306, a compare icon 1308 and a sub-menu icon 1310 for providingadditional options to an individual as described in detail below. Eachof the icons 1304, 1306, 1308 and 1310 may include graphics and/oralphanumeric symbols to convey to an individual the process and/orfunction that is performed upon selection of the icon. For example, asshown in FIG. 32, the practice icon 1304 may display the word “Practice”along with a graphic representation of a putting green with a flagstick(not shown). The measure icon 1306 may display the word “Measure” alongwith a graphic representation of a measurement device, such as ruler(not shown). The “Compare” icon 1308 may display the word “Compare”along with a graphic symbol that may convey to an individual a comparefunction (not shown). The sub-menu icon 1310, for example, may displaythe word “More” indicating more menu options. Each of the main menuicons may be selected by an individual touching the display of the iconon the GUI 1114. However, an individual may select each icon byscrolling through the main menu 1302 with one or buttons, scroll wheels,joysticks and/or like user input devices on the portable electronicdevice 1000. Touching the display of an icon on the GUI 1114, i.e.,selecting the icon, may change the color, contrast and/or brightness ofthe icon so as to visually show the individual that the icon has beenselected. For example, touching an icon having a dark blue backgroundcolor may change the color of the background to light blue so as toemulate a lighted switch or button that has been turned on.

An individual may perform a practice session during which one or more ofthe individual's stroke characteristics may be determined. The process1200 may determine one or more stroke characteristics of an individualassociated with one putting stroke (FIG. 15, block 1202). Accordingly,an individual may choose to practice putting and receive data regardinghis or her stroke characteristics for each putt as shown by the process1270 of FIG. 33. The process 1270 includes receiving data from theportable electronic device 1000 related to the motion of a golf clubduring a putting stroke by an individual (block 1272), and determiningat least one stroke characteristic of the putting stroke of theindividual based on the received data (block 1273). Referring to FIG.34, the process 1270 may further include indicating to an individual toperform a putting stroke (block 1271) so that sensors 1116 of theportable electronic device 1000 can provide data related to the motionof the individual's golf club during the putting stroke. The process1270 may further include displaying on the GUI 1114 of the portableelectronic device 1000 the at least one stroke characteristic (block1274). The process 1270 and operation of the electronic device 1000 whenperforming the process 1270 is described in detail below.

To perform the process 1270, an individual may select the practice icon1304 by touching the practice icon 1304, which causes the GUI 1114 todisplay a practice display 1400 as shown in FIG. 35. The practicedisplay 1400 includes the main menu 1302 and may further include astroke characteristics menu 1412, by which an individual may selectwhich of his or her stroke characteristics to be determined in apractice session. The stroke characteristic menu 1412 may be representedby a stroke type icon 1414, an impact angle icon 1416, a tempo icon1417, an impact lie icon 1418 and/or an impact loft icon 1419. Anindividual can select one or more of the stroke characteristics icons bytouching the icons on the GUI 1114. Touching each icon may change thedisplay of the icon, such as changing the color, contrast and/orbrightness of the icon to convey to the individual that the icon hasbeen selected.

The practice display 1400 may also show an individual identificationarea 1420 in which the identification of an individual, such as his orher name or any other type of identification associated with anindividual (e.g., nickname, user name for accessing a network, emailaddress, etc.) is displayed. In the example of FIG. 35, theidentification area 1420 appears above the stroke characteristics menu1412 and is shown to have the generic identification “User Name.” Anindividual can input his or her identification by touching theidentification area 1420. Upon touching the identification area 1420,the individual is presented by the GUI 1114 with an identification inputdisplay 1422, an example of which his shown in FIG. 36. The individualmay input his or her name in an identification window 1430, provide hisor her photograph in a photograph area 1432, designate a putter for thepractice session in a putter designation window 1434, and/or specify thetype of putter being used by the putter selection sub-menus 1436. Uponproviding information according to the identification input menu 1422,the individual can return to the practice display 1400 by pressing areturn icon 1438, which may display an arrow indicating a reversedirection, i.e., going back, and/or text indicating that an individualis finished inputting information such as the word “Done” as shown inFIG. 36. An individual's identification information may be stored on theportable electronic device 1000 as the information is entered by theindividual or when the return icon 1438 is selected by the individual.

Referring back to FIG. 35, upon providing information in theidentification input menu 1422, the individual's identification appearsin the identification area 1420 instead of the generic identification“User Name.” An individual may select the stroke type icon 1414, theimpact angle icon 1416, the tempo icon 1417, the impact lie icon 1418and/or the impact loft icon 1419 to activate any one or all of thesefunctions so as to receive information about his or her stroke type,impact angle, tempo, impact lie angle and/or impact loft angle,respectively. The practice display 1400 may include a play icon 1424,which an individual can touch to start a practice session.

Before starting the practice session as described above, the individualcan attach the portable electronic device 1000 to the shaft of theputter with the device holder 100. Upon starting a practice session,i.e., touching the play icon 1424, a practice result display 1426 may bedisplayed on the GUI 1114 as shown in FIG. 37. FIGS. 38 and 39 showresults displayed on the practice results display 1426 after a puttingstroke. FIG. 39 shows a continuation of the practice result display1426, which may be viewed by scrolling down the practice result display1426 of FIG. 38. The results display 1426 includes a stroke type window1428, and impact angle window 1430, a tempo window 1432, an impact liewindow 1434 and an impact loft window 1436.

The stroke type is shown in the stroke type window 1428 to be a straightstroke type with an angle of 3.3° (i.e., the angle of rotation of thehead from the beginning of the downswing to impact, which is alsoreferred to herein as the closing angle), the impact angle is shown inthe impact angle window 1430 to be a closed impact angle of −1.2°, thetempo is shown in the tempo window 1432 to be 569 ms/279 ms orapproximately 2.0, the impact lie is shown to be 21.1°, and the impactloft is shown to be 1.1°, representing a hands back position (see FIG.25).

Referring to FIGS. 40 and 41, with each subsequent putting stroke, thepractice results display 1426 is refreshed to show the results of thelatest putting stroke (only stroke type, impact angle and tempo areshown in FIGS. 40 and 41). FIG. 40 shows the result of another puttingstroke, where the stroke type is shown to be a slight arc stroke typewith an angle of 5.2°, the impact angle is shown to be an open impactangle of 1.2°, and the tempo is shown to be 539 ms/299 ms orapproximately 1.8. FIG. 41 shows the result of yet another puttingstroke, where the stroke type is shown to be a strong arc with an angleof 18.8°, the impact angle is shown to be a closed impact angle of−4.5°, and the tempo is shown to be 739 ms/419 ms or approximately 1.8.An individual can continue putting and view the corresponding results onthe practice results display 1426. The individual can end the puttingpractice session and return to the practice display by touching a returnicon 1438.

Referring back to FIG. 14, some or all of the data and/or results froman individual's practice session may be transmitted to other portableelectronic devices. Referring back to FIG. 15, some or all of anindividual's putting practice data may be uploaded by the portableelectronic device 1000 to a server 1152 and stored on the server 1152.Accordingly, an individual may be able to remotely access the datastored on the server 1152 at any time for further viewing and/oranalysis with the portable electronic device 1000 or any other remoteaccess device, such as a laptop 1160, a tablet computer 1162, a desktopcomputer 1158, and/or other computer devices that are capable ofdirectly or indirectly communicating with the server 1152. Additionally,an individual may authorize the sharing of all or certain portions ofhis or her practice session data with other individuals for comparisonpurposes as described in detail below.

An individual may perform a measure session, during which a consistencyscore may be calculated for the individual and a putting handicap (PHcp)may be determined from at least one consistency score. A Consistencyscore for an individual may be calculated by measuring a consistency inthe individual's stroke characteristics for a plurality of puttingstrokes. FIG. 42 shows a process 1500 for determining a consistencyscore for an individual. The process 1500 includes receiving data fromthe portable electronic device 1000 related to the motion of a golf clubduring a putting stroke by an individual (block 1506). At least twoputting strokes are required to determine consistency in an individual'sstroke characteristics by comparing the stroke characteristics of thetwo putting strokes. However, a larger number of putts may provide amore accurate consistency score for an individual. Accordingly, aconsistency score may be determined from a certain number of putts, suchas 3, 5, 7 or 10 putts. The process 1500 determines if a certain numberof putting strokes have been made (block 1508). The certain number ofputting strokes may be predetermined and/or specified by the individual.If the certain number of putting strokes has not been made, theindividual can attempt another putting stroke. The portable electronicdevice 1000 can then receive data related to the motion of the golf clubduring the additional putting stroke (block 1506). If, however, thecertain number of putting strokes has been made, the process 1500determines at least one stroke characteristic of each of the puttingstrokes of the individual based on the received data for each puttingstroke (block 1510). The process 1500 then determines a consistencyscore based on the putting stroke characteristics of the individual(block 1512). The consistency score may then be used to determine aputting handicap (PHcp) for the individual

Referring to FIG. 43, the process 1500 may further include an individualstarting a putting stroke measure session, after which the portableelectronic device 1000 may indicate to the individual to perform aputting stroke (block 1504). When performing each putting stroke, theplurality of sensors 1112 of the portable electronic device 1000 mayrecord and provide data related to the motion of the individual's golfclub during his or her putting stroke (block (1506). As described above,if a certain number of putting strokes has not been made (block 1508),the portable electronic device may indicate to the individual to performanother putting stroke (block 1504). If, however, the certain number ofputting strokes has been made (block (1508), the process 1500 determinesat least one stroke characteristic for each of the putting strokes(block 1510). A consistency score may then be determined based on the atleast one stroke characteristic of the putting strokes (block 1512). Theconsistency score may be used to determine a putting handicap (block1514). The putting handicap for the individual may also include anyputting handicap scores from previous measurement sessions (block 1514).The portable electronic device may then display the at least one strokecharacteristic for each putting stroke, an overall stroke characteristicbased on the putting strokes, the consistency score and/or the puttinghandicap on the GUI 1114 (block 1516). The process 1500 and operation ofthe electronic device 1000 when performing the process 1500 is describedin detail below.

To determine consistency of an individual's stroke characteristics,i.e., calculate a consistency score, by which a putting handicap for theindividual may be determined, the individual can touch or press themeasure icon 1306 of the main menu 1302 to start a measure session.Referring to FIG. 44, when the measure icon 1306 is touched or pressed,a measure display 1600 is displayed on the GUI 1114. The measure display1600 may include the main menu 1302, a session number indicator 1602, aputting distance indicator 1604, a session selection icon 1606, and/or agraphical representation of the number of putting strokes 1608 forconsistency score calculation. The measure display 1600 may also includethe user identification area 1420, in which a user's identification isdisplayed as described in detail above with respect to FIG. 36.

To start a measure session, an individual can attach the portableelectronic device 1000 to his or her putter with the device holder 100.The individual may then touch a play icon 1624 on the GUI 1114 toactivate or start the measure session. After the play icon 1624 isselected, the GUI 1114 displays the counter display 1650 as shown in theexample of FIGS. 45 and 46. The counter display 1650 may show the numberof putts completed and the number of putts remaining in numeric and/orgraphical manner. In the example of FIGS. 45 and 46, a segmented annulus1652 is shown. Each segment of the annulus 1652 may represent a putt.After each putt, a corresponding segment is highlighted (i.e., shownwith different color, contrast, brightness, etc.) to show that the puttis completed. Furthermore, the number of the putts may be numericallyshown inside the annulus 1652. The counter display 1650 may also displayother information regarding the putting session. After the number ofputts shown on the counter display 1650 have been completed, either theindividual can touch the GUI 1114 to view a measure results display 1660shown in FIG. 47 or the measure results display 1660 may beautomatically shown.

Referring to FIGS. 47 and 48, the measure results display 1660 mayinclude the main menu 1302, a stroke type display 1662, an impact angledisplay 1664, a tempo display 1666, an impact lie display 1667 and aloft display 1668. FIG. 48 shows a continuation of the measure resultsdisplay 1660, which may be viewed by scrolling down the measure resultsdisplay 1660 of FIG. 47.

The stroke type display 1662 includes a stroke type scale 1670 thatdefines a straight stroke type at one end and a strong arc stroke typeat the opposite end. The stroke type display 1662 may also include aclosing angle display 1672, which shows an average of the closing anglesfor the number of putts attempted in each measure session, which in theexample of FIG. 47 is five putts. Each of the putts in the measuresession is visually represented on the stroke type scale 1670 with asymbol 1674, such as a circle 1674 as shown in FIG. 47. Because fiveputts are attempted in each measure session in the example of FIG. 47,the stroke type scale 1670 shows five circles 1674 representing the fiveputts. The position of each symbol 1674 on the stroke type scale 1670represents the value of the closing angle of the corresponding putt. Thestroke type scale 1670 may also include opposing range brackets 1676,which show the range of closing angles or stroke types for an individualbased on the five putts. The stroke type scale 1670 may also include anaverage stroke type line 1678 that represents an average of the closingangles for the five putts. The numerical value of the location of thestroke type line 1678 on the stroke type scale 1670 may be the same asthe closing angle shown in the closing display 1672.

The impact angle display 1664 includes a number of club face angledisplays 1680 corresponding to the number of putts in the measuresession. Each face angle display 1680 may display a numerical value ofthe face angle upon impact between the club face and a ball. Each faceangle display 1680 may also include a graphic depiction of the faceangle of a golf club. Each face angle display 1680 may also include adescription identifying the impact angle (e.g., “closed” as shown inFIG. 47). An average angle based on the putt attempts may be computedand displayed in an average impact angle display 1682, which may showthe numerical value of the average impact angle and a graphicalrepresentation of the average impact angle. In the example of FIG. 47,the average impact angle is show to be 1.9°, which is the average of theimpact angles shown in the face angle displays 1680.

The tempo display 1666 may include a tempo scale 1690 having a backwardswing section 1692 representing a backswing segment of a putting strokeand a downswing section 1694 representing the downswing segment of aputting stroke. The tempo scale 1690 may be a time scale. In thebackward swing section 1692, the tempo display 1666 displays a symbol1695, such as circle 1695 as shown in FIG. 47, to represent thebackswing time for each putt. The tempo scale 1690 may also displaybackswing brackets 1696, which define a range of backswing times for thefive putts. An average backswing time may be represented by an averagebackswing timeline 1698 located between the backswing brackets 1696. Inthe downswing section 1694, the tempo display 1666 displays a symbol1700, such as circle 1700 as shown in FIG. 47, to represent thedownswing time for each putt. The tempo scale 1690 may also displaydownswing brackets 1702, which define a range of downswing times for thefive putts. An average downswing time may be represented by an averagedownswing timeline 1704 located between the downswing brackets 1702. Thetempo display 1666 may further include a tempo value display 1706, whichdisplays a numerical value generally defining a ratio of the averagebackswing time to the average downswing time. In the example of FIG. 47,the tempo is shown to be 1.8.

Referring to FIG. 48, the impact lie display 1667 includes an impact liescale 1720 that defines a flat impact lie angle at one end and anupright impact lie angle at the opposite end. A flat impact lie angleand an upright impact lie angle may be relative terms that define thedegree of flatness or uprightness of a club head relative to a referenceangle. For example, the reference angle may be 20° so that impact lieangles decreasing from 20° may be considered flatter impact lie anglesand impact lie angles increasing from 20° may be considered more uprightloft angles. The impact lie display 1667 may also include an impact lieangle display 1722, which shows an average of the impact lie angles forthe number of putts attempted in each measure session, which in theexample of FIG. 48 is five putts. Each of the putts in the measuresession is visually represented on the impact lie scale 1720 with asymbol 1724, such as a circle 1724 as shown in FIG. 48. Because fiveputts are attempted in each measure session in the example of FIG. 48,the impact lie display shows five circles 1724 representing the fiveputts. The position of each symbol 1724 on the impact lie scale 1720represents the value of the closing angle of the corresponding putt. Theimpact lie scale 1720 may also include opposing range brackets 1726,which show the range of impact lie angles for an individual based on thefive putts. The impact lie scale 1720 may also include an average impactlie line 1728 that represents an average of the impact lie angles forthe five putts. The numerical value of the location of the impact lieline 1728 along the impact lie scale 1720 may be the same as the averageimpact lie angle shown in the impact lie angle display 1722.

The loft display 1668 may include a setup loft angle scale 1730 and animpact loft angle scale 1740. The setup loft angle scale 1730 representsa range of loft angles of a club shaft at an address or a setupposition. The impact loft angle scale 1740 represents a range of loftangles of the club shaft at the impact position, i.e., when the clubface impacts a golf ball.

The setup loft angle scale 1730 includes a relative setup loft angleline 1731, which defines if a setup loft angle represents a handsforward position or a hands back position. The setup loft angle scale1730 may also include a setup loft angle display 1732, which shows anaverage of the setup loft angles for the number of putts attempted ineach measure session, which in the example of FIG. 48 is five putts.Each of the putts in the measure session is visually represented on thesetup loft angle scale 1730 with a symbol 1734, such as a circle 1734 asshown in FIG. 48. Because five putts are attempted in each measuresession in the example of FIG. 48, the setup loft angle scale 1730 showsfive circles 1734 representing the five putts. The position of eachsymbol 1734 on the setup loft angle scale 1730 represents the value ofthe setup loft angle of the corresponding putt. The setup loft anglescale 1730 may also include opposing range brackets 1736, which show therange of setup loft angles for an individual based on the five putts.The setup loft angle scale 1730 may also include an average setup loftangle line 1738 that represents an average of the setup loft angles forthe five putts. The numerical value of the location of the setup loftangle line 1738 along the setup loft angle scale 1730 may be the same asthe average setup loft angle shown in FIG. 48 below the setup loft anglescale 1730.

The impact loft angle scale 1740 includes a relative impact loft angleline 1741, which defines if an impact loft angle represents a handsforward position or a hands back position. The impact loft angle scale1740 may also include an impact loft angle display 1742, which shows anaverage of the impact loft angles for the number of putts attempted ineach measure session, which in the example of FIG. 48 is five putts.Each of the putts in the measure session is visually represented on theimpact loft angle scale 1740 with a symbol 1744, such as a circle 1744as shown in FIG. 48. Because five putts are attempted in each measuresession in the example of FIG. 48, the impact loft angle scale 1740shows five circles 1744 representing the five putts. The position ofeach symbol 1744 on the impact loft angle scale 1740 represents thevalue of the impact loft angle of the corresponding putt. The impactloft angle scale 1740 may also include opposing range brackets 1746,which show the range of impact loft angles for an individual based onthe five putts. The impact loft angle scale 1740 may also include anaverage impact loft angle line 1748 that represents an average of theimpact loft angles for the five putts. The numerical value of thelocation of the impact loft angle line 1748 along the impact loft anglescale 1740 may be the same as the average impact loft angle shown inFIG. 48 below the impact loft angle scale 1740.

The measure results display 1660 may display a numerical consistencyscore in a consistency score display area 1710. The consistency scoremay represent an individual's consistency based on the number of puttsperformed in a measure session. A consistency score for each strokecharacteristic may be computed after an individual performs a pluralityof putting strokes. For each one of closing angle, impact angle, tempo,impact lie angle and loft angle, a consistency score S may be computedby the following equation:

S=f(x)  (1)

Where x may be the value of a corresponding stroke characteristic (e.g.,a closing angle of 3.3°), and f(x) may be a function that definesvariation in the corresponding stroke characteristic for a plurality ofswings or putts. For example, f(x) may be based on the standarddeviation of the measured values of a stroke characteristic after aplurality of swings or putt attempts. An overall consistency score for aplurality of swings or putts may be an average of the closing angle,impact angle, tempo, impact lie angle and loft angle consistency scores.An overall consistency score may be displayed in the consistency scoredisplay area 1710 after an individual performs a measure session. In theexample of FIG. 41, the consistency score is shown to be 17.8.

A handicap score (PHcp) may be computed by computing an average of aplurality of overall consistency scores. However, the computation ofPHcp may depend on the number of past consistency scores for anindividual. In one example, if only three or fewer consistency scoresare available for an individual, PHcp is computed by taking an averageof the available consistency scores. In another example, if four orgreater and ten or less consistency scores are available for anindividual, the highest consistency score and the lowest consistencyscore may be discarded. PHcp is then computed by taking an average ofthe remaining eight consistency scores. In yet another example, ifgreater than ten consistency scores are available, the most recent tenconsistency scores may be considered. Then, the highest and lowestconsistency scores may be discarded. PHcp is then computed by taking anaverage of the remaining eight consistency scores. Achieving betterconsistency scores in multiple measure sessions (i.e., multiple sessionswith each session having several putts) reduces an individual's PHcpwhile poor consistency scores in multiple measure sessions increase anindividual's PHcp. The measure results display 1660 may also include ahandicap display area 1712 for displaying the PHcp for an individual. Inthe example of FIG. 41, PHcp for Individual 1 is shown to be 9.6.

The above consistency score and PHcp calculations represent an exampleof determining consistency score and PHcp calculations. Therefore, thesystems, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are notlimited in this regard. Accordingly, any type of computation by which anindividual's stroke characteristics for one putting stroke are comparedto the same stroke characteristics for another putting stroke todetermine a consistency in the individual stroke characteristics may beused for determining a consistency score and a PHcp.

In addition to the graphical and alphanumeric information provided onthe measure results display 1660 as discussed above, one or more color,contrast and/or brightness schemes, which may be referred to herein asdisplay schemes, may be used to graphically convey to an individualinformation about his or her performance. At least one of the stroketype display 1662, the impact angle display 1664, the tempo display1666, the impact lie display 1667 and the loft display 1668 may reflectthe consistency performance of the individual. For example, when anindividual's stroke type measurements are highly inconsistent, the colorred may at least partly be used as a color scheme of the stroke typedisplay 1662. In another example, when an individual's stroke typemeasurements are highly consistent, the color green may at least partlybe used as a color scheme of the stroke type display 1662. In yetanother example, when an individual's stroke type measurements areneither highly inconsistent nor highly inconsistent, the color yellowmay at least partly be used in the color scheme of the stroke typedisplay 1362. The display schemes of the impact angle display 1364 andthe tempo display 1366 may be similarly affected based on anindividual's consistency in impact angle and tempo during the puttingmeasure session, respectively. A display scheme as disclosed may referto a background color, a foreground color, an outline color of an iconor a displayed object, a text color, a line colors, a symbol color,and/or a color of any displayed object. For example, if an individual'sstroke type measurements are highly inconsistent, the circles 1674displayed in the stroke type scale 1670 may be displayed with the colorred. In another example, if an individual's stroke type measurements arehighly inconsistent, the outlines or borders of all objects displayed inthe stroke type display 1662, such as the outline or border of thestroke type scale 1670 may be displayed with the color red.

Referring back to FIG. 14, some or all of the data collected for anindividual during a measure session by the portable electronic device1000 may be transmitted to other portable electronic devices. Referringback to FIG. 15, some or all of the data for an individual may beuploaded by the portable electronic device 1000 to a server 1152 andstored on the server 1152. Accordingly, an individual can remotelyaccess the data stored on the server 1152 at any time for furtherviewing and/or analysis with the portable electronic device 1000 or anyother remote access device, such as a laptop 1160, a tablet computer1162, a desktop computer 1158, and/or other devices that are capable ofdirectly or indirectly communicating with the server 1152. Additionally,an individual may be able to authorize the sharing of all or certainportions of his or her data with other individuals for comparison and/orcompetition purposes as described in detail below.

The stroke characteristics of an individual may be displayed on the GUI1114 of the portable electronic device as disclosed. However, a portableelectronic device 1000 may display all data regarding an individual'sgolf swing in a tabular format either in partially processed or rawform. For example, the GUI 1114 may display in a list or a table thefollowing: backswing time, downswing time, backswing angle, putter speedat impact, clubface angle at impact, lie angle, swing plane information,and/or any other information that may be explicitly or impliedlyprovided from the data.

Based on the data collected by the portable electronic device 1000during an individual's golf swing, the software may include instructionsexecuted by the processor of the portable electronic device to visuallyshow an individual a simulation of his or her golf swing based on thecollected data. Accordingly, an individual can view the simulation ofhis or her golf swing and use the simulation to improve his or her golfswing.

FIGS. 47 and 48 show measure session results for a certain individual,which is identified as Individual 1. FIGS. 49 and 50 show measuresession results for two other individuals, which are identified asIndividual 2 and Individual 3, respectively. As described above, measuresession data for each individual may be transmitted to and stored on aserver 1152. FIG. 51 shows a process 1750 for comparing strokecharacteristics of two or more individuals. At least two individuals maybe selected so that their stroke characteristics results can be compared(block 1752). Subsequently, the selected individuals' strokecharacteristics results may be displayed on the portable electronicdevice 1000 (block 1754).

FIG. 52 shows an exemplary compare display 1800, which is displayed onthe GUI 1114 when an individual touches or presses the compare icon 1308of the main menu 1302. The compare display 1800 includes a primaryindividual selection menu 1802 and a measure session selection menu 1804associated with the individual selected from the primary individualselection menu 1802. An individual can select his or her identity fromthe primary individual selection menu 1802 and also select one of his orher measure sessions from the measure session selection menu 1804 tocompare to another individual. When an individual selects one of his orher measure sessions from the measure session selection menu 1804, hisor her consistency score and/or PHcp from the selected measure sessionmay be displayed on the compare display 1800. For example, FIG. 52 showsa consistency score of 6.3 for Session 1 of Individual 3.

The compare display 1800 may also include one or more secondaryindividual selection menu 1806 and corresponding measure sessionselection menu 1808. In FIG. 52, only one secondary individual selectionmenu 1806 and the corresponding measure session selection menu 1808 areshown. The compare display 1800 may include an individual addition icon1810, by which more individuals can be added. From the secondaryindividual selection menu 1806, an individual can select anotherindividual for a measure session comparison. The individual to beselected for comparison may be another individual with whom theselecting individual is familiar (e.g., friend or family), a celebrity,a professional athlete, or a professional golfer, or any otherindividual who may have his or her results stored on a network server towhich the individual has access. Upon selecting an individual, theselected individual's consistency score and/or PHcp may be displayed onthe compare display 1800. For example, FIG. 52 shows a consistency scoreof 9.1 for Session 2 of Individual 2. To compare measure sessionresults, an individual can select, e.g., touch or press the compare area1812 on the GUI 1114 to compare his or her putting session results withthe one or more other selected individuals.

Referring to FIGS. 53-56, the selected individuals' strokecharacteristics may be compared. In the examples of FIGS. 53-56, onlyclosing angle/stroke type, impact angle and tempo comparisons betweenthe selected individuals are shown. However, the portable electronicdevice 1000 may also display the impact lie angle and loft anglecomparisons between the selected individuals according to the impact lieangle display 1667 and loft angle display 1668 as described above. Thesystems, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are notlimited in this regard.

Referring to FIG. 53, after the individual selects the compare area1812, the GUI 1114 may display a comparison between the stroke type ofthe primary individual and the secondary individual in a stroke typecompare display 1820. Comparing the stroke types of the primaryindividual and the secondary individual may entail displaying the stroketype result from a selected session for the primary individual adjacentto the stroke type result from a selected session for the secondaryindividual. As shown in the example of FIG. 53, a stroke type display1662 as described in detail above and with respect to FIG. 47 may bedisplayed for each individual.

Referring to FIG. 54, the GUI 1114 may also display a comparison betweenthe stroke impact angles of the primary individual and the secondaryindividual in an impact angle compare display 1822. Comparing the strokeimpact angles of the primary individual and the secondary individual mayentail displaying the impact angle results from the selected session forthe primary individual adjacent to the stroke type result from theselected session for the secondary individual. As shown in the exampleof FIG. 46, an impact angle display 1664 as described in detail aboveand with respect to FIG. 47 may be displayed for each individual. Anindividual can scroll between the displays of FIGS. 53 and 54 by swipingthe surface of the GUI 1114, touching one or more areas on the GUI 1114,and/or pressing one or more buttons on the portable electronic device1000.

Referring to FIG. 55, the GUI 1114 may also display a comparison betweenthe tempo of the primary individual and the secondary individual in atempo compare display 1824. Comparing the tempo of the primaryindividual and the secondary individual may entail displaying the tempofrom the selected session for the primary individual adjacent to thetempo result from the selected session for the secondary individual. Asshown in the example of FIG. 55, a tempo display 1666 as described indetail above and with respect to FIG. 41 may be displayed for eachindividual. An individual can scroll between the displays of FIGS. 53-55by swiping the surface of the GUI 1114, touching one or more areas onthe GUI 1114, and/or pressing one or more buttons on the portableelectronic device 1000.

Referring to FIG. 56, the GUI 1114 may also display a comparison betweenthe consistency of the primary individual and the secondary individualin consistency display 1826. Comparing the consistency of the primaryindividual and the secondary individual may entail displayingconsistency score from the selected session for the primary individualin a session consistency display 1828 for the primary individualadjacent to the consistency score from the selected session for thesecondary individual in a session consistency display 1828 for thesecondary individual. An individual can scroll between the displays ofFIGS. 53-56 by swiping the surface of the GUI 1114, touching one or moreareas on the GUI 1114, and/or pressing one or more buttons on theportable electronic device 1000.

Although not shown, the GUI may also display and compare the puttinghandicap PHcp of the primary individual with the putting handicap of thesecondary individual (e.g., friends, professional golfers, etc.). Forexample, the software may include a putting handicap compare displaythat may show the putting handicaps of two or more individuals in aside-by-side manner. The systems, methods, and articles of manufacturedescribed herein are not limited in this regard.

An individual may be able to view his or her profile, photo, strokecharacteristics, PHcp and/or consistency scores by touching or pressingthe identification area 1420, which may be displayed in the practicedisplay 1400, measure display 1600, measure results display 1660 and thecompare display 1800. Subsequently, a user profile display 1850 isdisplayed on the GUI 1114 as shown in FIG. 57. The user profile display1850 may include consistency scores 1852 of the individual plottedagainst corresponding measure sessions that are completed by theindividual. The plotted consistency scores 1852 may be connected with aconsistency trend line 1854. As shown in FIG. 57, the consistency trendline 1854 visually conveys to the individual his or her consistencytrend, i.e., improvement and/or setback.

As described in detail above, a PHcp may be calculated for an individualbased on his or her consistency score for each measure session.Accordingly, the PHcp value may be affected, i.e., increases ordecreases, based on each consistency score. As shown in FIG. 57, theuser profile display 1850 may also include the PHcp of an individualplotted as a PHcp trend line 1856 against corresponding measure sessionsthat are completed by the individual. The PHcp trend line 1856 visuallyconveys to the individual his or her PHcp trend. The user profiledisplay 1850 may also include a current PHcp 1858 for the individual. Inthe example of FIG. 57, the current PHcp 1858 for Individual 1 is shownto be 13.3. Thus, an individual may get a snapshot view of his or hercurrent and historical putting performance with the user profile display1850.

FIG. 58 shows the measure display 1600 and the sub-menu icon 1310 havingbeen activated by an individual to display a sub-menu 1900. The sub-menu1900 may include selectable options such as a Home option 1902, a Helpoption 1904, a Skins Game option 1906, a Club Fit option 1908, a Usersoption 1910 and/or a Pros option 1912. Selecting the home options 1902may return the display on the GUI 1114 to the main display 1300.Selecting the Help option 1904 may provide an individual with helpinformation regarding using the different menus, options, and/orprocedures discussed herein. The Skins Game option 1906 may operate theportable electronic device 1000 according to the process described indetail below by which an individual can compete with one or more locallyor remotely located individuals. The Club Fit option 1908, which isdescribed in detail below, provides an individual with guidanceregarding selecting a proper golf club for the individual base upon hisor her stroke characteristics. The Users option 1910 returns the displayon the GUI 1114 to the user profile display 1850, which is described indetail above. The Pros option 1912 displays profiles of golfprofessionals and their corresponding consistency scores and/or PHcpthat may have been stored on the server 1512 by the golf professionalsand made available to users of the software for comparison purposes.

According to the foregoing, stroke characteristics of an individual maybe measured and displayed to the individual by using a portableelectronic device 1000 attached to a golf club with a device holder 100.As described in detail below, the disclosure may also provide anindividual result-oriented information, which may refer to speed and/ortrajectory of a golf ball from the moment of being struck by a golf clubuntil the ball comes to a stop at a final location, and whether or not aputt was successfully made (i.e., ball falling in a golf cup).

FIGS. 59 and 60 show an exemplary process 2000, by which an individualmay determine the results of multiple putts to ascertain variousresult-oriented information, such as the individual's miss tendencies.An individual may start the process 2000 by touching an icon (not shown)on the GUI 1114 corresponding to the process 2000. Alternatively, theindividual may start the process 2000 by pressing one or more buttons(not shown) on the portable electronic device and/or with voicecommands. The icon for starting the process 2000 may be provided in themain menu 1302. Alternatively, the process 2000 may be started by usinga corresponding option in the sub-menu 1900. Starting the process 2000may entail the processing device 1110 retrieving at least a part of aprogram code and any data associated with the retrieved part of theprogram code from the storage device 1116 and executing the program codeto operate the portable electronic device 1000 to perform the process2000 as described in detail below.

Referring to FIG. 60, the process 2000 includes receiving datacorresponding to a final location of a golf ball after a putt (block2004), and graphically displaying the location of the golf club (block2008). Referring to FIG. 60, the process 2000 may further includeindicating to an individual to putt a golf ball (block 2002). Theportable electronic device then receives data corresponding to a finallocation of the golf ball after the putt (block 2004). The individualmay wish to continue putting (block 2006). Accordingly, the individualis again signaled or indicated to putt another golf ball or the samegolf ball (block 2002). However, the individual may wish to stop puttingand view the results of his or her putts (block 2006), i.e., finallocations of the balls. The locations of the golf balls after the puttsare then graphically displayed (block 2008). The operation of theelectronic device 1000 when performing the process 2000 is describedbelow.

As described above, an individual may select an icon (not shown) on theGUI 1114 to start the process 2000. For example, the main menu 1302 orthe sub-menu 1900 may include an icon or option, respectively (notshown), by which an individual can start the process 2000. The icon orsub-menu option may include text or graphics. Alternatively, the process2000 may be performed contemporaneously with the processes 1270 of FIGS.33 and 34 and/or the process 1500 of FIGS. 42 and 43. Accordingly, theprocess 2000 may be performed during a practice session and/or a measuresession. Thus, selecting the practice icon 1304 or the measure icon 1306may also start the process 2000.

The individual may attach the portable electronic device 1000 to his orher putter with the device holder 100. The individual can then putt oneor more golf balls in a putting area at a certain distance from a golfcup. The distance may be generally a consistent distance so as to allowan individual to determine his or her miss tendencies from a particulardistance. For example, the individual may choose to practice puttingfrom 10 feet from the hole. However, the putting distance may be varied.Referring to FIG. 61, the GUI 1114 may present the individual with aschematic display of the putting area 2020 including the target golf cup2022. The schematic display of the putting area 2020 may be shown to bedivided into sections 2024 to allow an individual to more accuratelyspecify a location of a ball as described herein. In the example of FIG.61, the sections 2024 are quadrants defined by perpendicular lines 2026.

An individual may manually record the result of a putt on the schematicdisplay of the putting area 2020 by touching an area on the GUI 1114that generally corresponds with the actual position of the ball in theputting area relative to the golf cup. The portable electronic device1000 may include a zoom function on the GUI 1114 that allows theindividual to zoom in on a certain part of the schematic display of theputting area 2020 for a more accurate placement of a representation ofthe ball. Upon specifying the location of a ball, the ball may bedisplayed on the GUI 1114 with a symbol 2028. In FIG. 61, the directionof putting is shown with the arrow 2027.

The shape, size and/or color of a symbol 2028 may convey certaininformation about the position of the ball in the putting area such asthe golf club used by an individual to putt the ball, the distance fromthe golf cup from which the putt is attempted, an individual's strokecharacteristics, an individual's setup position for attempting the putt,and/or any other information by which one putt may be distinguished fromanother putt. For example, the color of the symbol 2028 may indicatewhether or not the ball corresponding to the symbol overshot the golfcup 2022. A ball that overshot the golf cup 2022 may be shown with a redsymbol, while a ball that did not reach the cup 2022 may be shown with agreen symbol 2022. In another example, the shape, size and/or color ofthe symbol representing the ball may depend on the quadrant 2024 inwhich the ball comes to rest after a putt. In another example, theshape, size and/or color of the symbol representing the ball may dependon the stroke type, impact angle and the tempo of the individual whenputting the ball. In yet another example, the shape, size and/or colorof the symbol representing the ball may depend on the type of golf clubused by an individual. In the example of FIG. 61, the balls that fellshort of the golf cup 2022 are shown with hollow circles, the balls thatovershot the golf cup 2022 are shown with filled circles, and thesuccessfully putted balls are shown to be half-filled circles.

The individual may then attempt additional putts and similarly recordthe result of each putt. At any time or when the individual no longerwishes to continue, the individual may view the schematic display of theputting area 2020 to determine his or her putting tendencies. Theschematic display of the putting area 2020 may resemble a scatter plot,which may show patterns or tendencies when a sufficient number of datapoints are present. For example, after a few putts, such as four or sixputts, the number of symbols 2028 on the schematic display of theputting area 2020 may not be sufficient to convey to an individual anypattern or tendency. However, as shown in FIG. 53, after a sufficientnumber of putts, a pattern may emerge where certain symbols may appearin clusters or groups, thereby representing a certain pattern ortendency. As shown in FIG. 61, clusters or groups of symbols may beshown on the schematic display of the putting area 2020 to be within atendency cluster area 2029 defining the cluster or group. For example,certain clusters or groups of symbols are shown in FIG. 61 to beenclosed by dashed circles. In another example, symbols in each clustermay be shown to be the same shape, size, color and/or have similarvisual characteristics.

Referring back to FIGS. 59 and 60, the process 2000 may be performedwithout having the portable electronic device 1000 in the device holder100 and attached to a golf club. Accordingly, after each putt attempt,an individual may retrieve the portable electronic device 1000 from hisor her pocket, belt clip, or other storage devices that may be on theindividual or in his or her golf bag and record the approximate positionof the ball relative to the golf cup 2022 as described above. However,when the portable electronic device 1000 is placed in the device holder100 and attached to a putter shaft, in addition to an individualgraphically recording the approximate position of a ball to generate theabove-described scatter plot, the portable electronic device 1000 mayalso determine an individual's stroke characteristics as discussed indetail above. The miss tendencies of the individual according to thescatter plot and the individual's stroke characteristics may suggest tothe individual the corrections in his or her putting stroke that mayyield better putting performance. For example, the shapes, sizes and/orcolors of the symbols 2028 of the scatter plot may correspond to stroketype, impact angle and/or tempo of the individual for each putt. Inanother example, any pattern or cluster of symbols 2028 that mayvisually appear to an individual may be correlated with the individual'sconsistency scores or PHcp and/or any improvements in consistency scoresor PHcp. Thus, the stroke characteristics of the individual asdetermined by the processes 1270 and 1500, and results of the process2000 may be correlated to assist the individual in improving his or herputting stroke and performance.

Based on one or more clusters or groups of symbols and/or the tendencycluster areas 2029 visually highlighting patterns or tendencies, anindividual may determine his or her putting tendencies and possibly takeaction to improve his or her putting performance. For example, thetendency cluster area 2031 may represent putts made by an individualwith a first putter and the tendency cluster area 2033 may representputts made by the individual with a second putter that is different inone or more respects from the first putter. The putts made by the firstputter are shown to be short of the golf cup 2022 and on the right sideof the golf cup 2022, while the putts made with the second putter areshown to have overshot the golf cup 2022 and also on the right side ofthe golf cup 2022. Based on the patterns shown by the tendency clusterareas 2031 and 2033 and the corresponding putters used, the individualmay select a different style putter so as to have better results. Inanother example, the area 2031 may represent putts made from a certainputting distance and the area 2033 may represent putts made from anotherputting distance. Accordingly, an individual may determine his or herputting tendencies based on the putting distance.

The schematic display of the putter area 2020 allows an individual todetermine his or her putting tendencies based on one or more puttingrelated parameters such as putting stance, stroke characteristics, golfclub characteristics and/or fitting for the individual and/or puttingstyle. Accordingly, an individual can use a scatter plot as described indetail above to improve his or her performance for each of the notedputting related parameters or other putting related parameters.

In another example, instead of or in conjunction with the touching ofthe schematic display of the putting area 2020, the portable electronicdevice 1000 may graphically query the individual for information aboutthe putt attempt. For example, instead of touching the screen to place asymbol 2028 on the schematic display of the putting area 2020corresponding to an actual position of the ball, the individual mayenter an approximate distance of the ball from the cup, the lateralposition of the ball from the cup (i.e., left or right), and/or whetheror not the ball overshot the cup.

According to the process 2000, an individual manually provides dataregarding location of a golf ball after a putt to the portableelectronic device 1000. As discussed below, however, the process ofdetermining speed, trajectory and/or location of the golf ballcontinuously or at discrete time intervals may be at least partly orfully automated so that an individual's input may not be required.

Referring to FIGS. 62-65, an exemplary golf cup 2100 is generally shown.The golf cup 2100 may generally include a cylindrical wall 2102, abottom 2104, which may have a center bore 2106 for receiving a flagstick(not shown). When a golf ball enters the golf cup 2100, it falls to thebottom 2104 and remains there until retrieved by an individual.

According to one example, a golf cup 2100 may include at least onesensor assembly 2110 for detecting and indicating the presence of a golfball in the golf cup and/or entry of a golf ball into the golf cup. Thesensor assembly 2110 may be located anywhere outside and near the golfcup 2100 as show in FIG. 62, at the lip of the golf cup 2100 as shown inFIG. 63, on the cylindrical walls 2102 as shown in FIG. 64, and/or atthe bottom 2104 as shown in FIG. 65. The sensor assembly 2110 of FIGS.62-64 may partially surround the hole as shown or completely surroundthe hole (not shown).

Referring to FIG. 66, the sensor assembly 2110 may include at least onesensor 2112, which may be any type of sensor that can detect movement,weight, impact, light, and/or any other physical parameter orcharacteristic by which the presence of the golf ball near the golf cup2100 and/or inside the golf cup 2100 can be detected. The sensorassembly 2110 of FIG. 66 is shown to be configured for placement on thebottom 2104 of the golf cup 2100 as shown in FIG. 65. Additionally, thesensor 2110 may be a type of sensor that can communicate with a radiofrequency identification (RFID) sensor on or inside a golf ball and/or atransceiver on or inside a golf ball. For example, a sensor that detectsweight may be placed at the bottom of the golf cup 2100 so as to detectthe weight of a golf ball. In another example, a sensor that detectsimpact may be a piezoelectric sensor or an accelerometer located at thebottom of the golf cup 2100 to detect impact of the ball with the bottomof the golf cup 2100. In yet another example, a light sensor located atthe bottom of the golf cup 2100 may detect the presence of a golf ballat the bottom of the golf cup 2100 as a result of the ball at leastpartially blocking light from reaching the sensor.

Referring to FIG. 67, an exemplary sensor assembly 2110 may include oneor more sensors 2112, a processor 2114, a memory 2116, and at least atransmitter 2118. The sensor assembly 2110 may also include a powersource 2120. However, the sensor assembly 2110 may operate without apower source, where a piezoelectric module that generates a short burstof current upon being impacted with a golf ball. Such a current burstmay be sufficient for the sensor assembly 2110 to operate as intended,i.e., transmit a signal indicating presence of a ball in the golf cup2100. A powered sensor assembly 2110 may include a continuous powersource 2120 such as a battery and/or one or more photovoltaic cells topower the circuitry of the sensor assembly 2110.

The sensor assembly 2110 may transmit or broadcast a signal with thetransmitter 2118 upon detecting a ball entering the golf cup 2100.Accordingly, the sensor assembly 2110 may only be capable of one-waycommunication, i.e., only transmitting information. However, the sensorassembly 2110 may also include a receiver 2122 to enable two-waycommunication. Accordingly, the sensor assembly 2110 may establish andmaintain communication with an external device. The transmitter 2118and/or the receiver 2122 may operate in accordance with a proprietarycommunication protocol, any of the wireless communication protocolsdescribed herein, Bluetooth® technology, the 802.xx family of standardsdeveloped by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE)and/or variations and evolutions of these standards (e.g., 802.11x,802.15, 802.16x, etc.), Ultra Wideband (UWB), Near Field Communication(NFC), and/or radio frequency identification (RFID) to communicateand/or exchange data with another device.

The sensor assembly 2110 may be a movable and portable unit that can beused by an individual in combination with the portable electronic device1000. The sensor assembly 2110 may have a compact form. The sensorassembly 2110 may be in the shape of a relatively thin pad that can beplaced by an individual inside the golf cup 2100 at the bottom 2104 ofthe golf cup 2100 (shown for example generally in FIGS. 64 and 65).Thus, an individual may place the sensor assembly 2110 in any golf cup2100 to practice putting and have the ability to move the sensorassembly 2110 to another golf cup. The portable electronic device 1000may communicate with the sensor assembly 2110 to receive data from thesensor assembly 2110 regarding presence and/or entry of a golf ball intothe golf cup 2100.

Referring to FIG. 68, a process 2200 for generally determining detectinga ball relative to a cup by using the sensor assembly 2110 is shown. Theprocess 2200 includes detecting a ball relative to golf cup (block 2204)and transmitting data indicative of detecting the ball relative to thegolf cup (block 2206). The process of FIG. 68 can be performed with asensor assembly 2110 that is capable of two-way communication, i.e.,transmission and reception, and a sensor assembly 2110 that is onlycapable of data transmission. If the sensor assembly 2110 is a portablesensor assembly as described above, an individual can place the sensorassembly 2110 at the bottom of a golf cup 2100. The sensor assembly 2110may be placed in the golf cup 2100 prior to any putting session.

Referring to FIG. 69, the process 2200 may further include establishingcommunication between the sensor assembly 2110 and a portable electronicdevice such as the disclosed portable electronic device 1000 (block2202). The establishment of communication between the sensor assembly2110 and the portable electronic device 1000 may be performedautomatically or by an individual actively performing certain connectionprocedures to establish communication. For example, when the sensorassembly 2110 and the portable electronic device 1000 are sufficientlyclose and/or within a certain range of communication, the portableelectronic device 1000 may automatically identify the sensor assembly2110 and establish communication with the sensor assembly 2110.Alternatively, for example, the portable electronic device 1000 mayautomatically identify the sensor assembly 2110, but communicationbetween the portable electronic device 1000 and the sensor assembly 2110may only be established if an individual requests such communication.Establishment of communication between the sensor assembly 2110 and theportable electronic device 1000 may have to be performed only once ifthe identification of the sensor assembly 2110 is stored in the portableelectronic device 1000 for future communication. With the latteralternative, an individual has the option of establishing communicationbetween the portable electronic device 1000 and one or more particularsensor assemblies 2110, rather than with all of the sensor assemblies2110 within a certain range of communication.

The sensor assembly 2110 may detect a ball relative to a golf cup. Forexample, the sensor assembly 2110 may include one or more proximitysensors that detect nearby objects. The sensor assembly 2110 may beconfigured to detect nearby objects that resemble in configuration to agolf ball. The sensor assembly 2110 may also detect a ball inside a golfcup. The sensor assembly 2110 is described in detail below as detectinga golf ball in a golf cup. However, the disclosed sensor assembly 2110may be configured to detect a golf ball relative to a golf cup, i.e.,near and/or inside a golf cup.

When an individual strikes a golf ball in a putt attempt and the golfball enters a golf cup 2100, the sensor assembly 2110 detects the entryof the ball into the golf cup 2100 (block 2004). The sensor assembly2110 may then transmit data regarding entry of the ball into the golfcup 2100 to the portable electronic device 1000 (block 2006). If thesensor assembly 2110 does not include a receiver, the transmission ofdata regarding the entry of the ball into the golf cup 2100 may be acontinuous broadcast transmission or transmissions at discreet timeintervals for a certain period of time. For example, the sensor assembly2110 may continuously broadcast a signal for a period of 5-10 seconds sothat any portable electronic device that is sufficiently close to thesensor assembly 2110 may receive the signal. Alternatively, the sensorassembly 2110 may transmit a signal every 0.5 seconds for a period of5-10 seconds so that any portable electronic device that is sufficientlyclose to the sensor assembly 2110 may receive the signal. Accordingly, aportable electronic device, such as the disclosed portable electronicdevice 1000, can receive one of the transmitted messages successfullyand ignore any repeated transmissions. If the sensor assembly 2110includes both a transmitter and a receiver, the sensor assembly 2110 mayinform the portable electronic device through two-way communication thatthe ball has entered the golf cup 2100. For example, the sensor assembly2110 may transmit a signal to the portable electronic device 1000regarding the status of the golf ball and the portable electronic device1000 may acknowledge receipt by transmitting an acknowledgement to thesensor assembly 2110.

As discussed above, the sensor assembly 2110 may transmit data regardinga successful putt. However, when a golf ball does not enter a golf cup2100 after a putt attempt, a lack of any signal being transmitted fromthe sensor assembly 2110 after a certain period of time may beinterpreted by the portable electronic device 1000 as an unsuccessfulputt. Referring to FIG. 70, a process 2250 for detecting a golf ball ina golf cup is shown from the view point of a portable electronic device,such as the disclosed portable electronic device 1000. The process 2250includes establishing communication (not shown) with a sensor assembly,such as the sensor assembly 2110, which may be located inside or near agolf cup. When an individual strikes a golf ball toward the golf cupwith his or her putter, the portable electronic device may record thetime at which the golf ball is struck by the putter (block 2252). If theportable electronic device 1000 does not receive any data from thesensor assembly 2110 indicative of the ball entering the golf cup aftera certain wait period (block 2254), the portable electronic device 1000considers the putt to be a miss (block 2256). However, if the portableelectronic device receives data from the sensor assembly 2110 indicativeof the ball entering the golf cup after the certain wait period (block2254), the portable electronic device 1000 considers the putt to besuccessful (block 2258). The wait period can be set to a greater valuethan the amount of time generally required in making a putt from theconsistent distance (e.g., 10 ft.). Alternatively, the wait period canbe set to a certain wait period that is long enough to encompass thetime generally required to make a very long putt. In anotheralternative, when the golf ball is struck by a golf club during a puttattempt, the portable electronic device 1000 may transmit the time ofthe ball strike to the sensor assembly 2110. If the sensor assembly 2110does not detect entry of the golf ball in the golf cup 2110 for a waitperiod after the time the ball was struck by the golf club, the sensorassembly 2110 may transmit a signal to the portable electronic device1000 indicating a miss.

As described in detail above, the portable electronic device 1000 mayalso analyze each putt and determine stroke characteristics, the puttingconsistency and putting handicap for an individual. Accordingly, anindividual's stroke characteristics and the individual's putting resultsfor each putt attempt can be correlated to determine certain of theindividuals putting tendencies that either resulted in successful puttsor unsuccessful putts. Correlating stroke characteristics analysis withthe result oriented information as described in detail above may enablean individual to improve his or her putting performance by modifying hisor her stroke to make more successful putts. Further, an individual maynot be required to record successful putt attempts on the scatter plotof FIG. 61 because the portable electronic device 1000 may receive datafrom the sensor assembly 1708 indicating each successful putt attempt.Accordingly, the portable electronic device 1000 may record the finalposition of a golf ball on the scatter plot after receiving informationregarding the relative position of the golf ball to the golf cup.

Referring to FIG. 71, a golf ball 2300 may include at least one sensor2302, which may be any type of sensor by which the golf ball 2300 can beat least identified by using a portable electronic device, such as thedisclosed portable electronic device 1000 and/or a sensor assembly, suchas the disclosed sensor assembly 2110. For example, the sensor 2302 maybe an RFID sensor that is embedded inside the ball 2300. Accordingly,the sensor assembly 2110 and/or the portable electronic device 1000 mayinclude an RFID reader to identify the ball 2300. Alternatively, thesensor 2302 may be a type of sensor that can provide at least anidentification of the ball 2300 to an external device such as theportable electronic device 1000 and/or the sensor assembly 2110

The portable electronic device 1000 may also receive sufficientinformation from the sensor 2302 to determine the speed, spincharacteristics, and/or a location of the ball 2300 at certain timeintervals. From the speed and location information obtained from thesensor 2302 and based on general frictional characteristics between theball 2300 and the ground (e.g., green speed), the portable electronicdevice 1000 may determine an estimated trajectory for the ball 2300and/or an approximate location where the ball 2300 may come to restafter a putt. For example, the portable electronic device 1000 mayinclude a GPS sensor such that the location of the ball 2300 at themoment of striking the ball 2300 is known. As the distance between theball 2300 and the portable electronic device 1000 increases, theportable electronic device 1000 may track the movement of the ball 2300by communicating with the ball at certain time intervals. The signalsreceived from the ball 2300 at the certain time intervals may be used todetermine the speed and rotational characteristics of the ball 2300 bymethods such as Doppler shift. The portable electronic device 1000 maythen determine the distance of the ball from the portable electronicdevice 1000 based on the speed information. The systems, methods, andarticles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.Accordingly, any type of sensor may be used in a ball 2300 to providecommunication with any type of electronic system and/or device in orderto provide information regarding the motion and location characteristicsof the ball 2300 to the electronic system and/or device.

Referring to FIG. 72, a process 2350 of using the ball 2300 is shown.The portable electronic device 1000 may automatically identify one ormore balls 2300 that are to be used by an individual (block 2352).Alternatively or in conjunction with the portable electronic device1000, the sensor assembly 2110 may also automatically identify the oneor more balls 2300 (block 2352). The individual may have several balls2300 in his or her proximity, such as in the putting area and/or in hisor her golf bag. The sensor 2302 of each ball 2300 may have a uniqueidentifier that may be received by the portable electronic device 1000and/or the sensor assembly 2110. Accordingly, the portable electronicdevice 1000 and/or the sensor assembly 2110 may recognize and track allof the balls 2300 that are in the proximity of the portable electronicdevice 1000 and/or the sensor assembly 2110.

An individual may make at least one putt with a ball 2300. As describedabove, the portable electronic device 1000 and/or the sensor assembly2110 may detect, track and/or determine a location of the ball 2300after a putt (block 2356). Additionally, the portable electronic device1000 and/or the sensor assembly 2110 may detect motion characteristicsof the ball 2300 while moving from the golf club toward the golf cup todetermine speed, trajectory and/or location of the golf ballcontinuously or at certain time intervals. The sensor assembly 2110 andthe portable electronic device 1000 may communicate with each other dataregarding the position of the ball 2300 so that the portable electronicdevice can determine more accurate motion characteristics and locationinformation for the ball 2300.

As described in detail above, the portable electronic device 1000 mayalso analyze each putt and determine stroke characteristics, the puttingconsistency and putting handicap for an individual. Accordingly, anindividual's stroke characteristics and information about location,speed, and/or trajectory of a ball for each putt attempt can becorrelated to determine certain of the individuals putting tendenciesthat either resulted in successful putts or unsuccessful putts.Correlating stroke characteristics analysis with the result orientedinformation as described in detail above may enable an individual toimprove his or her putting performance by modifying his or her stroke tomake more successful putts.

Referring to FIG. 61, the final location of each ball 2300 after a puttmay be known relative to the golf cup 2022 and/or relative to theportable electronic device 1000. Accordingly, based on the location ofeach ball 2300 as determined by the portable electronic device 1000 asdescribed above, the scatter plot of FIG. 61 may be automaticallygenerated without any input or less input from an individual. Thus, byhaving one or more sensors 2302 in the ball 2300, an individual may nothave to manually input a position of the ball on the electronic device1000.

Referring to FIG. 73, one or more cameras 2400 may be located at or neara golf cup, such as the golf cup 2100, to capture images of a ball, suchas a ball 2300, for tracking locations of the ball near the camera orafter a putt. For example, the camera 2400 may be mounted on a flagstick2402 as shown in FIG. 73. The camera 2400 may be a digital camera havingone or more charge-coupled devices (CCDs) and/or active pixel sensors(CMOS) to digitally capture images. Referring to FIG. 74, the camera2400 may include an image capturing device 2410 (CCD or CMOS), aprocessor 2412, memory 2414, and a transceiver 2416. A portableelectronic device, such as the disclosed portable electronic device1000, may establish communication with the transceiver 2416 to receivecaptured images and associated data from the camera 2400. Thetransceiver 2416 and the portable electronic device 1000 may communicateby using any wireless communication method, such as a proprietarycommunication method or the standard wireless communication standardsdescribed herein. The camera 2400 may also include a power supply 2418,which may be a battery or a solar energy device, e.g., photovoltaiccells.

The camera 2400 may capture one or more images of one or more golf ballsaround the hole and may determine the locations and/or movement patternsof each golf ball. The camera may capture still images or capture video(i.e., a sequence of images captured at a certain frame rate such as aframe rate of between 20 and 60 frames/second). Because golf balls havegenerally consistent dimensions, a golf ball may be distinguished in animage captured by the camera. For example, a white circle appearing onan image with a shade of green as the background may be identified as agolf ball located on a putting green. The camera 2400 may capture one ormore images with the image capture device 2410, store the one or moreimages in the memory 2414, and/or process the images with the processor2412 to determine motion characteristics of the golf ball and/or theposition of the golf ball relative to the camera 2400 and/or or the golfcup 2100. To determine the speed of the golf ball and/or the trajectoryof the golf ball, more than one image may be required. However, oneimage may be sufficient to determine a location of the golf ball. Thus,the camera 2400 may capture multiple images and determine the speedand/or trajectory of a golf ball with the processor 2412. Alternativelyor in conjunction with self processing of captured images, the camera2400 may transmit image data to the portable electronic device 1000 forprocessing. Accordingly, the portable electronic device 1000 may processthe captured images and determine motion characteristics of the golfball and/or the distance of the golf ball from the portable electronicdevice 1000 and/or the golf cup 2100. Although one camera 2400 isdescribed, a plurality of cameras may be provided at or near the golfcup 2100 to perform the disclosed methods. By providing more than onecamera at or near the golf cup 2100, the speed, trajectory, and/orlocation of the ball may be more accurately determined. Additionally, atriangulation method may be applied to captured images from multiplecameras to more accurately determine the motion characteristics and/orthe location of a golf ball.

The portable electronic device 1000 may include a digital camera that iscapable of performing the disclosed image capture functions.Accordingly, an individual may attach a first portable electronic device1001 to a putter shaft 800 with a first device holder 101 as shown inFIG. 76, which is similar to FIG. 11 and a second portable electronicdevice 1002 to the flag stick 2402 with a second device holder 102 asshown in FIG. 75. The second portable electronic device 1002 mayfunction as a digital camera as described above, while the firstportable electronic device 1001 may function to determine strokecharacteristics and operate the software as also described above. Thetwo portable electronic devices 1001 and 1002 may communicate with eachother as described below.

Referring to FIG. 77, a process 2420 for using the camera 2400, whichmay be a part of the second portable electronic device 1002 is shown.The camera 2400 may be attached to the flagstick 2402 as shown in FIG.76. Alternatively, if a portable electronic device 1002 is used as acamera, the portable electronic device 1002 may be attached to theflagstick 2402 with the second device holder 102. The camera 2400 maycapture at least one image of the ball when an individual putts the ball(block 2422). The image may be captured at approximately the moment whenthe ball comes to rest or after a certain sufficient wait period so thata ball comes to rest. The at least one captured image is then processedto determine the final location of the golf ball (block 2424). If morethan one image is captured while the ball is moving, motioncharacteristics of the ball may also be determined (not shown).Accordingly, speed, trajectory and/or locations of the ball may bedetermined continuously or at certain time intervals (not shown).

Referring to FIG. 78, a process 2450 for using two portable electronicdevices 1001 and 1002 is shown. The second portable electronic device1002 may be attached to a flagstick 2402 with the second device holder102. Additionally the camera lens of the second portable device 1002 maybe generally pointed in the direction from which an individual may beputting one or more golf balls. The first portable electronic device1001 may be attached to the individual's putter as described in detailabove with the first device holder 101.

The process 2450 includes establishing communication between the firstportable electronic device 1001 and the second portable electronicdevice 1002 (block 2452). After communication is established, anindividual may putt a golf ball toward the golf club, i.e., toward theflag 2402. Accordingly, as described in detail above, the first portableelectronic device 1001 may determine the stroke characteristics of theindividual (block 2454). The second portable electronic device 1002 maycapture one or multiple images or a video of the putting area (block2456). Either the first portable electronic device 1001 or the secondportable electronic device 1002 may process the captured images todetermine motion characteristics and/or locations of the golf ball(block 2458). If the first portable electronic device 1001 is to processthe captured images, the second portable electronic device 1002 maytransmit the captured images to the first portable electronic device1002. The process 2450 can then determine the individual's puttingperformance based on the stroke characteristics of the individual andthe motion characteristics and/or locations of the golf ball (block2460).

The first and second device holders 101 and 102 may be identical orsimilar in many respects. For example, if the first and second deviceholders 101 and 102 are identical, the clamp portions (such as the clampportion 300 of the device holder 100) of both devices may be configuredto provide attachment to a putter shaft and a flagstick. Accordingly,because a flagstick may have a larger diameter than a diameter of atypical putter shaft, the clamp portion may be configured to receivepoles, rods or shafts of large varying diameters. In another example,the first and second device holders 101 and 102 may be similar in manyrespects except for their respective clamp portions. The clamp portionof the first device holder 101 may be configured for attachment to aputter shaft, while the clamp portion of the second device holder 101may be configured for attachment to a flagstick.

According to the process 2420 and 2450, the individual may make severalputts from a consistent distance. For each putt, the camera 2400 or thecamera of the second portable electronic device 1002 may capture imagesof the ball. The camera may capture images continuously in a videocapture mode or in discrete intervals. In one example, to reduce thespace required in memory of the first portable electronic device 1001and/or the second portable electronic device 1002 for storing images,the camera may be activated when the individual swings his golf cluband/or strikes the ball. Accordingly, the first portable electronicdevice 1001 may transmit a signal to the second portable electronicdevice 1002 when the individual swings the golf club and/or the golfclub strikes the ball so that the second portable electronic device 1002can capture images of the ball from the moment a putt is initiated orjust prior to the golf club striking the ball. The camera of the secondportable electronic device 1002 may stop capturing images upon detectingthat the ball is no longer in motion. Alternatively, the camera of thesecond portable electronic device 1002 may stop capturing images after acertain period, such as a time period that is typically required to makea generally long putt.

When the camera 2400 or the camera of the second portable electronicdevice 1002 captures a plurality of images or video during the same puttattempt, the speed, location and/or trajectory of the ball at everyinstant in time when the image was captured may be determined. In oneexample, the second portable electronic device 1002 may determine ballmovement characteristics based on the captured images and transmit theball movement characteristic data to the first portable electronicdevice 1001. Alternatively, the second portable electronic device 1002may transmit the captured images to the first portable electronic device1001 so that the first portable electronic device 1001 can determine themovement characteristics of the ball.

As described in detail above, one of the portable electronic devices1001 or 1002 that is attached to the putter shaft with the device holder101 or 102, respectively, may also analyze each putt and determinestroke characteristics, the putting consistency and putting handicap foran individual. Accordingly, an individual's stroke characteristics andinformation about location, speed and/or trajectory of a ball for eachputt attempt as determined by the captured images of the ball him can becorrelated to determine certain of the individuals putting tendenciesthat either resulted in successful putts or unsuccessful putts.Correlating stroke characteristics analysis with the result orientedinformation as described in detail above may enable an individual toimprove his or her putting performance by modifying his or her stroke tomake more successful putts.

Referring to FIG. 61, the final location of each ball 2300 after a puttmay be known relative to the golf cup 2022 and/or relative to theportable electronic device 1000. Accordingly, based on the location ofeach ball 2300 as determined by the captured images as described above,the scatter plot of FIG. 61 may be automatically generated without anyinput or less input from an individual. Thus, by capturing images of aball during each putt, an individual may not have to manually input aposition of the ball on the electronic device 1000.

Referring to FIG. 82, a process 2500 is shown for classifying golf clubsin one or more golf club categories based on at least one golf clubcharacteristic associated with the golf club. The process 2500 includesclassifying a golf club in at least one golf club category based on atleast one club characteristic (block 2502), associating at least onestroke type with the at least one golf club category (block 2504), andindicating a stroke type on a golf club based on the at least one golfclub category of the golf club (block 2506). Accordingly, an individualmay select an appropriate type of golf club for optimum or near optimumperformance considering the individual's stroke characteristics andskill level.

Referring back to FIGS. 28-31, golf clubs may be classified incategories based on the center of gravity (CG) position 1250 and/or theCG angle 1252. The process 2000 may classify a golf club 1240 in atleast one of the club categories. In one example, the golf club 1240 maybe a putter-type golf club. Accordingly, the process 2000 may classifythe golf club 1240 in a face-balance putter category, a mid-hang puttercategory, or a toe-down putter category.

In one example, a putter-type golf club classified in the face-balanceputter category may have a relatively-lower CG angle (e.g., less thansix degrees) with varying CG position from the shaft axis 1248 (e.g.,from zero to two inches). FIG. 79 shows an example of a face-balancedputter. When the shaft of a face-balanced putter is held in a horizontalposition and allowed to freely rotate about the shaft axis (extendingthrough the page in FIG. 79), the head 1241 remains in a horizontalposition as shown in FIG. 79. Thus, the position and angle of the CG issuch that the portion of the head 1241 from the shaft 1248 to the toe1243 and the portion of the head 1241 from the shaft 1248 to the heel1245 balance each other about the shaft axis 1248.

A putter-type golf club classified in the mid-hang putter category mayhave a relatively-moderate CG angle (e.g., less than 45 degrees) and arelatively-moderate CG position from the shaft axis 1248 (e.g., lessthan one inch). Further, a putter-type golf club classified in themid-hang putter category may have a relatively lower CG angle (e.g.,less than 20 degrees) but a relatively-farther CG position (e.g., morethan one inch) from the shaft axis 1248. FIG. 80 shows an example of amid-hang putter. When the shaft of a mid-hang putter is held in ahorizontal position and allowed to freely rotate about the shaft axis1248 (extending through the page in FIG. 80), the head 1241 rotatesabout the shaft axis 1248 until it finds a balanced position generallymidway between a horizontal position and a vertical position. Thus, theposition and angle of the CG is such that the portion of the head 1241from the shaft 1248 to the toe 1243 is slightly off balance relative tothe portion of the head 1241 from the shaft 1248 to the heel 1245.

A putter-type golf club classified in the toe-down putter category mayhave a relatively-higher CG angle (e.g., greater than 45 degrees) and arelatively-shorter CG position from the shaft axis 1248 (e.g., less thanone inch) may be classified in the toe-down putter category. Inaddition, a putter-type golf club classified in the toe-down puttercategory may have a relatively-lower CG angle (e.g., less than 30degrees) but a relatively-farther CG position (e.g., more than one inch)from the shaft axis 1248. FIG. 81 shows an example of a toe-down putter.When the shaft of a tow-down putter is held in a horizontal position andallowed to freely rotate about the shaft axis 1248 (extending throughthe page in FIG. 81), the head 1241 rotates about the shaft axis 1248until it finds a balanced position generally near a vertical position.Thus, the position and angle of the CG is such that the portion of thehead 1241 from the shaft 1248 to the toe 1243 is highly off balancerelative to the portion of the head 1241 from the shaft 1248 to the heel1245.

While the above examples may define the plurality of putter categoriesin a particular manner, the systems, methods, and articles ofmanufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. That is,various combinations of CG angles and CG position from the shaft axis1248 may define the plurality of putter categories.

According to the above, a golf club may be classified in a club categorybased on at least one club characteristic associated with the golf club,such as CG location and CG angle. A golf club classified in a certaincategory may then be associated with a stroke type for which that golfclub is suitable. In one example, a face-balanced putter may be moresuitable for a straight-type stroke, a mid-hang putter may be moresuitable for a slight arc-type stroke, and a toe-down putter may be moresuitable for a strong arc-type stroke.

Referring to FIGS. 83-85, a putter-type golf club classified in aface-balance putter category may include a stroke type indicator 2510associated with a straight stroke type. The stroke type indicator 2510may include a description, a letter, a number, a logo, a symbol, acolor, a combination thereof, etc. In on example, a text field 2512, inwhich a stroke type is described. For example, the text field 2512 mayinclude the description “Straight,” “Slight Arc” or “Strong Arc.” Thestroke type indicator 2510 may also include a graphical stroke typefield 2514, in which a stroke type is graphically conveyed to anindividual. In the example of FIGS. 83-85, each of the straight, slightarc and strong arc stroke types is graphically represented by a partialcircle 2516 and a line 2518, where the curvature of the line 2518 maydefine the stroke type. The partial circle 2516 may represent a golf cupor hole. A tab 2520 framing any graphical representation of the stroketype in the graphical stroke type field 2514 may identify the stroketype on the stroke type indicator 2510. The partial circle 2516 of theindicated stroke type may also include a small filled circle 2522representing a golf ball inside a golf cup or a hole. Although notshown, certain colors used on the stroke type indicator 2510 mayindicate a stroke type. For example, the graphical stroke type field2514 may have a blue, green or red background color associated withstraight, slight arc or strong arc stroke types, respectively.

FIG. 83 is an example of a stroke type indicator 2510 associated with astraight type stroke that may be provided on a face-balanced putter. Thestroke type indicator 2510 includes the word “Straight” in the textfield 2512 to indicate that a golf club having such a visual strokeindicator may be better suited for an individual having a straight typeof stroke. The tab 2520 of the graphical stroke type field 2514 is shownto frame the partial circle 2516 and line 2518 that visually convey astraight type stroke to an individual. The line 2518 is shown to be astraight line and the framed partial circle 2516 is shown to have asmall filled circle 2522 representing a golf ball in the golf cup. Thegraphical stroke type field 2514 and/or the word “Straight” in the textfield 2512 may also have a certain color associated with a straight typestroke, such as the color blue.

FIG. 84 is an example of a stroke type indicator 2510 associated with aslight arc type stroke that may be provided on a mid-hang putter. Thestroke type indicator 2510 includes the word “Slight Arc” in the textfield 2512 to indicate that a golf club with such a stroke typeindicator may be better suited for an individual having a slight arctype of stroke. The tab 2520 of the graphical stroke type field 2514 isshown to frame the partial circle 2516 and line 2518 that visuallyconvey a straight type stroke to an individual. The line 2518 is shownto be slightly arced and the framed partial circle 2516 is shown to havea small filled circle 2522 representing a golf ball in the golf cup. Thegraphical stroke type field 2514 and/or the words “Slight Arc” may alsohave a certain color associated with a straight type stroke, such as thecolor green.

FIG. 85 is an example of a stroke type indicator 2510 associated with aslight arc type stroke that may be provided on a toe-down putter. Thestroke type indicator 2510 includes the word “Strong Arc” in the textfield 2512 to indicate that a golf club with such a stroke typeindicator may be better suited for an individual having a strong arctype of stroke. The tab 2520 of the graphical stroke type field 2514 isshown to frame the partial circle 2516 and line 2518 that visuallyconvey a straight type stroke to an individual. The line 2518 is shownto have the greatest arc as compared to the lines 2518 of the straightand slight arc stroke type indicators 2510. The framed partial circle2516 is shown to have a small filled circle 2522 representing a golfball in the golf cup. The graphical stroke type field 2514 and/or thewords “Strong Arc” may also have a certain color associated with astraight type stroke, such as the color red.

Characterizing an individual's golf swing or putting stroke and/or ananalysis of the individual's performance may be considered to identifyan appropriate type of golf club for the individual to play his or herbest. Referring to FIG. 86, a process 2600 may recommend a golf club foran individual based on an individual's stroke characteristics and/or ananalysis of the individual's putting performance. The process 2600 maygenerally include determining at least one stroke characteristic of anindividual (block 2602), and recommending at least one golf club basedon the at least one stroke characteristic of the individual and/orrecommending an adjustment to at least one golf club based on the atleast one stroke characteristic of the individual (block 2604).

An individual may perform the process 2600 by selecting (e.g., touchingthe GUI 1114) club fitting option 1908 of the sub-menu 1310. Uponselecting the club fitting option 1908, the GUI 1114 of the portableelectronic device 1000 displays a counter display 2610 as shown in FIG.87. The counter display 2610 is similar in many respects to the counterdisplay 1650. Accordingly, a description of similar features andfunctions of the counter displays 2610 is not repeated herein forbrevity. The counter display 2610 may further display instructions foran individual regarding the number of putts to attempt and the distancefor the attempted number of putts. For example, the counter display 2610may instruct the individual to “TAKE 5 IDENTICAL 10 ft PUTTS” as shownin FIG. 87. The individual may take the specified number of putts (e.g.5 putts) from the specified distance (e.g. 10 feet) until the counterdisplay 2610 shows that all five putt attempts have been completed.

Upon completing the specified number of putts from the specifieddistance, the stroke type of the individual may be displayed on a strokeidentification display 2620 as shown in FIG. 88. The strokeidentification display 2620 may include a stroke type display 2622,which is similar to the stroke type display 1662 of FIG. 47.Accordingly, a detailed description of the stroke type display 2622 isnot provided herein for brevity. The stroke identification display 2620may also include a stroke type indicator 2624. According to the process2500 as described above, a stroke type indicator 2510 may be provided ona golf club to associate the golf club with a certain stroke type. Thestroke type indicator 2624 displayed on the stroke identificationdisplay 2620 may be similar or identical to the stroke type indicator2510 associated with the same stroke type. Therefore, a detaileddescription of the stroke type indicator 2624 is not provided herein forbrevity. As described below, an individual may readily match up thedisplayed stroke type indicator 2624 with a similar stroke typeindicator 2510 on a golf club when selecting an appropriate golf clubbased on the stroke characteristics of the individual.

According to one example, the stroke type indicator 2510 may be asticker that is affixed to a corresponding golf club. According toanother example, the stroke type indicator 2510 may be painted on acorresponding golf club during manufacturing thereof. According yetanother example, the stroke type indicator 2510 may be etched, embossedor be made as an integral piece of the golf club. Thus, the stroke typeindicator 2510 may be placed at any location on the golf club with anymethod.

The stroke identification display 2620 may also include a “RecommendPutter” icon 2626 that when selected by an individual identifies aputter that may be best suitable for the individual based on his or herstroke type on a recommended putter display 2630 as shown in FIG. 89.The recommended putter display 2630 may show at least one recommendedputter 2632. The recommended putter 2632 may be identified bymanufacturer and model. The recommended putter display 2630 may alsodisplay the stroke type associated with the recommended putter in theform of the stroke type indicator 2624 and/or 2510. An individual mayhave the option of viewing other recommended putters on the recommendedputter display 2630 by scrolling between several recommended putters.The individual may also have the option of viewing technicalspecifications of the recommended putter 2632. Referring to FIG. 90, therecommended putter display 2630 may include a smaller sub-display 2634,which may be displayed over the recommended putter display 2630 andinclude technical specifications of the recommended putter 2632, such asthe material from which the recommended putter 2632 is constructed, theweight of the recommended putter 2632 and/or the lie angle of therecommended putter 2632. The sub-display 2634 may be activated by anindividual touching a certain icon (e.g., an arrow or the like) on acertain part of the recommended putter display 2630.

Referring to FIG. 91, the recommended putter display 2630 may include amiss tendency sub-menu 2636, by which an individual can select misstendency options such as Left, None or Right. For example, aright-handed individual who has the tendency to miss to the left of agolf hole with his or her current golf club may benefit from a golf clubthat is more toe-down (i.e., more in the toe-down direction) than his orher current golf club. Accordingly, such an individual may selected theLeft miss tendency option from the sub-menu 2636. In another example, anindividual who has the tendency to miss to the right of a golf hole withhis or her currently golf club may benefit from a golf club that is moreface-balanced (i.e., more in the face-balance direction) than his or hercurrent golf club. Accordingly, such an individual may select the Rightmiss tendency option from the sub-menu 2636. Referring to FIG. 92, therecommended putter display 2630 may also include an alignment aidsub-menu 2638, by which an individual can select the style and/or typeof alignment aid that he or she prefers on a putter. For example, theoptions that may be selectable from the alignment aid sub-menu 2638 maybe No Preference, Minimal, Standard, or Many/Heavy.

The recommended putter display 2630 recommends a putter for anindividual based on his or her stroke type. However, the individual mayrequire advanced fitting so that the recommended putter is sized for theindividual. Accordingly, the recommended putter display 2630 may includean advanced fitting option 2640, selection of which by an individualdisplays an advanced fitting display 2642 shown in FIG. 93. Anindividual may enter his or her measurements in a measurement input area2644 by activating a measurement display 2646 as shown in FIG. 94. Themeasurement display 2646 may include an overall height input area 2648for an individual to input his or her height, a wrist to floor heightinput area 2650 for the individual to input the distance from his orwrist to the floor, gender identification input area 2652 for selectionof the individual's gender, and stance type input area 2654 forselection of the individual's putting stance, such as upright, standard,or crouch. Upon returning to the advanced fitting display 2642, theindividual may have the option of selecting the green speed such asfast, medium or slow from a green speed menu 2656 as shown in FIG. 95.The advanced fitting display 2642 may display a recommended putterconfiguration sub-display 2658 for the recommended putter 2632. Therecommended putter configuration sub-display 2658 may include arecommended length, loft and lie angle as shown in FIGS. 93 and 95. Thespeed of a putting green of a golf hole may be considered when adjustingthe recommended loft angle. For example, the loft angle may decrease byone degree for a fast putting green whereas the loft angle may increaseby one degree for a slow putting green. The loft angle may not beadjusted for a medium speed putting green. The advanced fitting display2642 may also provide the individual to capture or practice putts withthe recommend putter 2632 by selecting a putt capture or practice area2660 on the GUI 1114. The systems, methods, and articles of manufacturedescribed herein are not limited in this regard.

The process 2600 may also recommend one or more adjustments to a golfclub based on the at least one stroke characteristic of the individual(block 2604). For example, a golf club that may already be in use by anindividual may be modified to adjust the length, loft and/or lie of thegolf club to better fit the individual.

FIG. 96 illustrates a process 2670 for fitting one or more golf clubsfor an individual based on one or more photos of the individual. Theprocess 2670 includes capturing at least one image of an individual(block 2672), and recommending at least one golf club based on the atleast one captured photo of the individual and/or recommending anadjustment to at least one golf club based on the at captured photo ofthe individual (block 2674).

According to one example, the process 2670 utilizes a camera of aportable electronic device, such as the portable electronic device 1000,to capture one or more images of an individual. The one or more capturedimages may be analyzed by the portable electronic device 1000 todetermine the individual's stroke characteristics as described in detailherein, physical attributes (height and other bodily measurements) asshown in FIG. 94, and/or putting stance, such as upright, standard, orcrouch as shown in FIG. 94. For example, the information shown in FIG.94 may be determined by the portable electronic device 1000 according toone or more captured images of an individual. In another example, one ormore captured images of an individual may be correlated with strokecharacteristics and/or putting results of an individual as described indetail herein to recommend an appropriate golf club for the individualconsidering the individual's skill level. Further details of fitting oneor more golf clubs to an individual based on capturing one or moreimages of the individual are provided in U.S. patent application Ser.No. 13/465,304, filed on May 7, 2012, the entire disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

Referring to FIG. 97, a process 2700 for an individual to share his orher putting results, such as stroke characteristics, consistency scores,and/or putting handicap is shown. An individual, which may be referredto herein as a first individual, may receive a request from a secondindividual to share putting results (block 2702). The first individualmay accept the request and transmit his or her putting results to thesecond individual (block 2704). The putting results may be transmitteddirectly from the portable electronic device of the first individual tothe portable electronic device of the second individual by wiredtransmission, wireless transmission according to the disclosed wirelesstransmission standards, and/or any type of removable memory module. Forexample, two individuals who are playing golf may share their puttingresults with each other through their portable electronic devices viacommunication with Bluetooth® technology. Although an individual mayrequest and/or receive putting results from another individual, therequest for putting result may be from an entity. For example, an entitymay be any individual, a group of individuals, or an organization. Theentity may also be an electronic device, which may request puttingresults without any guidance or intervention from an individual. Forexample, an electronic device may be configured to request puttingresults from certain individuals at certain time intervals.

FIG. 98 shows a process 2710, which is a more detailed example of theprocess 2700. At least two individuals, who may be referred to herein asthe first individual and the second individual, may wish to shareputting results. The sharing of the putting results may be in real timeor based on prior putting results. However, the process 2710 shows anexample of real time sharing. The first individual may activate thesoftware on a first portable electronic device. Similarly, the secondindividual may activate the software on a second portable electronicdevice. The process 2710 may include establishing communication betweenthe first portable electronic device and the second portable electronicdevice (block 2712). To establish communication, each individual mayselect a communication/link feature (not shown) of the software of hisor her portable electronic device to seek, select and establishcommunication with the other individual's portable electronic device.For example, upon selecting a communication/link feature (not shown) ofthe software, the first portable electronic device may display anyBluetooth® enabled device that is within sufficient proximity of thefirst portable electronic device for Bluetooth® communication. The firstindividual may then select the second portable electronic device toestablish communication with the second portable electronic device.

Each of the first individual or the second individual may attach his orher portable electronic device to his or her golf club with a deviceholder. Each of the first individual or the second individual mayperform at least one putting stroke. The at least one putting stroke maybe performed according to a practice session and/or a measure session asdescribed in detail above. Alternatively, the first individual mayperform at least one putting stroke while the second individual onlyparticipates as an observer. If the second individual only participatesas an observer, he or she may not have to attach his or her portableelectronic device to his or her golf club. According to process 2710,the first individual performs at least one putting strokes. The firstportable electronic device may then collect data related to the at leastone putting stroke (block 2714) and transmit data related to the atleast one putting stroke to the second portable electronic device (block2716). The transmitted data may be raw data collected by the portableelectronic device during the performance of the at least one puttingstrokes. Alternatively, the raw data collected by the first portableelectronic device may be analyzed and the resulting strokecharacteristics of the putting stroke may be transmitted to the secondportable electronic device. The second portable electronic device maystore the received data and/or display the received data on the GUI ofthe second portable electronic device. The received data may also beused by the second electronic device for comparison purposes asdisclosed.

FIG. 99 shows a process 2730 for an individual to share his or herputting results with others via electronic mail, a posting on a socialmedia network such as FACEBOOK® social networking service of Facebook,Inc., Palo Alto, Calif. or TWITTER® social networking service ofTwitter, Inc., San Francisco, Calif., and/or any communication networkto which one or more other individuals may have access. According to theprocess 2730, an individual may transmit his or her putting results to anetwork (block 2732). Referring back to FIG. 15, an example of a network1150 is shown that may provide communication and data sharing betweendifferent network devices via the Internet 1164. After the individualtransmits his or her putting results to the network 1150 via theInternet 1164, the putting results 1150 may be stored on the server1152. The transmission of the putting results by the individual may beperformed by the individual emailing the results to another individualor entity (e.g., a group of individuals, social group, organization orthe like). The email message including the results may be received andstored on the server 1152 (e.g., an email server) and then transmittedfrom the server 1152 to one or more other entities. The transmission ofthe putting results by the individual may be performed by the individualuploading the results and/or any associated messages, comments,descriptions or the like to the server 1152, which may be a social mediaserver, a game server, or the like to which other individuals orentities have access for sharing data. The transmission of puttingresults from any individual via his or her portable electronic devicemay be performed without the individual's control either in real time orat certain time intervals.

According to the process 2730, another individual, a plurality ofindividuals and/or one or more entities may access the individual'sputting results from the network 1150 by communicating with the server1152 via the Internet 1164 (block 2734). Accessing the results may bedefined as viewing and/or downloading the results. Further, theindividual who transmitted his or her results to the server 1152 mayalso access the results from the network 1150 if the individual nolonger has the putting results stored on his or her portable electronicdevice.

Referring back to FIG. 52, comparing results of a measurement session ofa first individual, which shown in FIG. 52 as Individual 1, with theresults of a measurement session of another individual, which is shownin FIG. 52 as Individual 2, may require that Individual 1 have access tomeasurement session results for one or more certain putting sessions ofIndividual 2. According to processes 2700 and 2710, measurement sessionresults for one or more putting sessions of individual 2 may betransmitted from the portable electronic device of Individual 2 to theportable electronic device of individual 1 upon Individual 1 requestingsuch results. According to process 2730, one or more measurement sessionresults of Individual 2 may be downloaded by the portable electronicdevice of Individual 1 from a server, such as the server 1152, which maybe an email server, a social networking server, a game server or anytype of server that provides data to various electronic devices. Uponreceiving certain measurement session results of Individual 2, thereceived measurement session results may be stored in the memory of theportable electronic device of Individual 1 for future use. The systems,methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited inthis regard.

Two or more individuals may share their putting and/or golf game resultswith each other in real time according to any of the processes 2700,2710 and 2730. The sharing of results in real time may enable socialgaming as described in detail below. Referring to FIG. 14, two or moreindividuals may share information in real time by the individuals'portable electronic devices directly communicating with each other. Asshown in FIG. 98, the portable electronic device of two or moreindividuals may establish communication with each other as described indetail above (block 2712). The portable electronic devices of the two ormore individuals can then transmit to each other in real time (block2716) the information collected by the portable electronic devicerelated to each individual's putting stroke and game play (block 2714).

Two or more individuals may share information with each other in realtime via the Internet by using a network server 1152, which may be asocial media server, a game server, an email server, or any type of dataserver to which other individuals or entities may have access forsharing data. FIG. 100 shows in detail a process 2750 of sharinginformation in real time via the Internet. The process 2750 showssharing of information between two portable electronic devices, namely afirst portable electronic device and a second portable electronicdevice. However, the process 2750 is applicable to a large number ofportable electronic devices (e.g., cell phones, smart phones, laptopcomputers, tablet computers, digital music players, etc.).

Each of the first portable electronic device and the second portableelectronic device may execute the software (block 2752). If the firstand second portable electronic devices are not connected to theInternet, then the first and second portable electronic devices may beconnected to the Internet. For example, the first electronic device orthe second electronic device may have a continuous connection to theInternet for email, messaging, voice, or other IP (Internet Protocol)applications. Each of the first and second portable electronic devicesmay establish connection with a server, through which data is shared(block 2756). Establishing a connection with a server may entail logginginto an account provided on the server for a certain individual,organization, social group, gaming group, professional group or the liketo provide an individual access to all or certain data stored on theserver and associated with the account. Each of the first portableelectronic device and/or the second portable electronic device may beattached to a putter with the device holder as disclosed. At least oneof the portable electronic devices may then be used to perform one ormore putting strokes (block 2758), which may be in a practice session ora measure session as described in detail above. Data related to the oneor more putting strokes may be transmitted to the server and stored onthe server in a data storage space associated with the individualoperating the first portable electronic device. The data may betransmitted after each putting stroke or after a putting session (i.e.,a plurality of putting strokes). For example, after each putting stroke,the data may be automatically transmitted to the server via theInternet. The data may be raw measurement data or data including resultsof one or more putting strokes as determined by the portable electronicdevices, such as stroke characteristics, consistency scores, and/orputting handicap. The server may then transmit the data to the secondportable electronic device (block 2760). The second portable electronicdevice may then receive (block 2762), store, analyze, compare and/ordisplay the received data as disclosed herein.

Any information provided to an individual on the GUI 1114 of theportable electronic device 1000 may be shared by the individual with thegeneral public or select individuals. For example, strokecharacteristics of an individual and/or the club fitting results for anindividual may be shared. An individual may directly share with anotherelectronic device or upload information about his or her practicesession, measure session, compare session, result based practice session(i.e., by which miss tendencies may be determined), club fittingsession, and/or competition with others session to a server, which maybe a social media server, a game server, an email server, or any type ofdata server to which other individuals or entities may have access forsharing data. The sharing of information, which may be direct sharingwith another electronic device or sharing with others via a server, maybe performed by an individual selecting a share icon 63 during apractice session, a measure session, a compare session, a result basedpractice session, a club fitting session, and/or a competition withothers session. The share icon 63 may be shown on the GUI 1114 so as tobe selectable by an individual. For example, the share icon 63 is shownis FIGS. 44 and 47. By activating the share icon 63, the results of thecorresponding session may be shared with others either directly or via aserver as described in detail herein.

Two or more local and/or remotely located users may engage incompetition by sharing stroke characteristics, consistency scores,putting handicap, and/or result oriented performance data as describedin detail above. According to one example, a competition between two ormore individuals may be in the form of a skins game, which is a type ofscoring for golf, where players compete for prize money on eachindividual hole. Each hole is assigned certain point value or prizemoney. To get the points or prize money for a hole, the player with thebest score wins the hole. If two or more players tie (e.g., halving) ona hole, the points may be carried over to the next hole. The player whoaccumulates the most points or prize money is the winner of the skinsgame.

Referring to FIG. 101, a process 2800 for local and/or remotely locatedindividuals to engage in a skins game is shown. The process 2800 maydetermine a winner based on the consistency scores of the individualsparticipating in the game for each hole. The skins game may be playedfor one or more holes. The process 2800 includes indicating to oneindividual among several participating individuals to attempt a certainnumber of putts for an indicated hole (blocks 2802 and 2804). Theindividual's consistency score is then determined by a portableelectronic device as described in detail above (block 2806). If all ofthe individuals who are participating in the skins game haven not playedthe indicated hole (block 2808), then the process of playing the firsthole is repeated for all participating individuals. Accordingly, thenext participating individual plays the first hole (block 2810 and block2802). The process 2800 then checks whether or not all of theparticipating individuals have played all of the holes (block 2812). Forexample, if the first hole has been played by all of the participatingindividuals, then the participating individuals should play the nexthole or the second hole. Accordingly, the next hole is played by all ofthe participating individuals. Thus, if all of the participatingindividuals have not played all of the holes, the process of playingeach hole is repeated as described above (block 2814 and block 2802).However, if all of the participating individuals have played all of theholes, a winner of the skins game is determined based on the consistencyscores of all of the participating individuals for all of the holes(block 2816). Further detail of the process 2800 and the operation of aportable electronic device 1000 when performing the process 2800 isdescribed below.

Referring back to FIG. 58, an individual may select the Skins Gameoption 1906 to start a skins game. Upon selecting the Skins Game option1906, the GUI 1114 of the portable electronic device 1000 displays thegame selection menu 2900 shown in FIGS. 102 and 103. The game selectionmenu 2900 shown in FIG. 103 is a continuation of the game selection menu2900 of FIG. 102 and can be viewed by scrolling down the game selectionmenu 2900 of FIG. 102. The game selection menu 2900 includes aPass-And-Play option 2902, a Turn Based option 2904 and a Hosted option2906, all of which relate to different procedures by which local orremotely located individuals may participate in a skins game. ThePass-And-Play option 2902 allows several local individuals to play askins game with a single portable electronic device. Accordingly, asingle portable electronic device is passed from one individual toanother during game play based on each individual's turn at playing thegame. The Turn-Based option 2904 allows several local or remotelylocated individuals to play one or more skins games by communicatingthrough a network. The Hosted option 2906 allows several local orremotely located individuals to play one or more skins game and displaythe results in a leader board on a large display device such as atelevision or a large display monitor. The process 2800 and theoperation of a portable electronic device 1000 when each of options inthe game selection menu 2900 is selected are described in detail below.

An individual can select the Pass-And-Play option 2902. According toprocess 2906 shown in FIG. 104, after the individuals who may beparticipating in the skins game are determined (block 2907), the numberof holes to play may be determined (block 2908). The participatingindividuals may then play a skins game according to the process 2800 andas described in detail below.

Referring to FIG. 105, after selecting the Pass-And-Play option 2902,the portable electronic device 1000 displays the player menu 2910 fromwhich the individuals who may be participating in the skins game may bedetermined (block 2906). The player menu 2910 includes player entrywindows 2912, an add player icon 2914, a remove player icon 2916, and aplay icon 2918. A first individual, who may be referred to herein asIndividual 1, can enter his or her name in the “Player 1” player entrywindow 2912. The first individual may also have the option of providinghis photograph by using the photo entry icon 2920. A second individual,who may be referred to herein as Individual 2, can enter his or her namein the “Player 2” player entry window 2912. The second individual mayalso have the option of providing his photograph by using the photoentry icon 2920. To add more players, the add player icon 2914 can beselected, by which additional player entry windows 2912 may be providedon the player menu 2910 so that additional individuals can enter theirnames and/or photographs. To remove a player, the remove player icon2916 may be used. After entry of players' names is finished, one of theindividuals can select the play icon 2918, which in FIG. 93 is shown todisplay “Play Now!”

The number of holes to play may be selectable by one or more individualsplaying a skins game. Referring to FIG. 106, the portable electronicdevice 1000 may display an option for selecting the number of holes toplay after an individual selects the play icon 2918 (block 2908).According to the exemplary hole selection display 2930, the GUI 1114 ofthe portable electronic device may provide several hole selection icons2932, where each icon corresponds to a certain number of holes. In theexample of FIG. 106, the hole selection display 2930 shows three holeselection icons 2932 corresponding to 4 holes, 6 holes and 9 holes.Alternatively, the portable electronic device 1000 may provide an entrywindow so that an individual can manually enter the number of holes toplay.

After selecting the number of holes to play, the portable electronicdevice 1000 may display a game start display 2940 as shown in FIG. 107.The game start display 2940 may represent the start of the process 2800(block 2802). The game start display 2940 may include an individualidentification display 2942, an instruction window 2944 and a skinspoint value window 2946 by which information about the skins game isprovided. As shown in FIG. 107, the individual identification display2942 may identify the individual who should play next or whose turn asarrived. The individual identification display 2942 may display the nameof the first individual to play, which is shown for example to beIndividual 1. The instruction window 2944 may provide generalinstructions to an individual about the game. In the example of FIG.107, an individual is instructed to take 5 putts so that theindividual's consistency score can be determined as discussed in detailabove. Accordingly, each individual may be instructed to perform ameasure session as described in detail herein. The instruction window2944 may also display a start icon 2948, selection of which starts theskins game. The skins value window 2946 may specify information aboutthe values of the holes in the skins game. For example, FIG. 107 showsthe skin value of the first hole to be 25000 or 1 skin.

FIG. 108 shows a play display 2950 that is displayed after the starticon 2948 is selected. The play display 2950 may include a holeindicator 2952 and a counter display 2954. The hole indicator 2952indicates the hole that is being currently played. The hole indicator2952 may visually resemble a hole with a flagstick inserted therein asshown in the example of FIG. 108. The counter display 2954 is similar tothe count display 1650 of FIGS. 45 and 46, hence a detailed descriptionthereof is not provided herein. The counter display 2954 may show thenumber of putts completed and the number of putts remaining in numericand/or graphical manner. The play display 2950 may also include theindividual identification display 2942 and the skins value window 2946.An individual may be allowed to skip his or her turn in the skins game.Accordingly, the play display 2950 may also include a skip turn icon2956, by which an individual can skip his or her turn in the game.

Referring to FIGS. 109 and 110, an individual results display 2960 isdisplayed on the GUI 1114 of the portable electronic device 1000 afteran individual performs a measure session, e.g., attempting 5 putts. FIG.109 shows an example of the individual results display 2960 forIndividual 1. After the first individual, e.g., individual 1, performs ameasure session, he or she passes the portable electronic device 1000 tothe second individual, e.g., individual 2, to perform a measure sessionas described in detail above. Individual 1 and individual 2 may chooseto play with the same golf club. Accordingly, individual 1 can pass hisgolf club including the portable electronic device 1000 attached theretoto individual 2 to perform his or her measure session. FIG. 110 shows anexample of the individual results display 2960 for Individual 2. Theindividual results display 2960 may include an individual identificationdisplay 2942, a score display 2962 and a results table display 2964. Thescore display 2962 displays the consistency score of an individual aftera measure session. The results table display 2964 shows the currentresults for all individuals in tabular format. The individual resultsdisplay 2960 further includes a next player icon 2966. After anindividual views his or her results on the individual results display2960, the next individual can select the next player icon 2966 to playhis or her turn. The individual results display 2960 may also include anoverall results icon 2968, selection of which displays the currentoverall results of the skins game in tabular form (see for example FIG.100).

Referring to FIG. 111, a match results display 2970 may be displayedafter all of the players have performed measure sessions for all of theholes. The match results display 2970 may show the points and skinsachieved by each participating individual and the placement of eachparticipating individual (i.e., 1st place, 2nd place, etc.). The matchresults display 2970 may also include the overall results icon 2968,selection of which displays the overall results of the match in tabularform as shown by the score card display 2980 of FIG. 112. The scorecarddisplay 2980 includes a results table 2982 having each row represent oneof the holes played in the skins game and each column corresponding toone of the players who participated in the skins game. The last row inthe results table 2982 may display the overall points and skins achievedby each participating player.

Selecting the Turn Based option 2904 allows several local or remotelylocated individuals to play one or more skins games through a network.FIG. 113 shows an exemplary process 3000 by which several individualscan play a skins game through a network. The process 3000 includes anindividual establishing communication with a network (block 3002). Toestablish communication with a network, an individual may for example berequired to login to a network server via the Internet. The networkserver may be a social media server, a game server, or the like to whichother individuals or entities have access for sharing data. For example,the network server may be Apple's Game Center network from Apple Inc.,Cupertino, Calif. After establishing communication with the network, theindividual may choose to join a skins game that is hosted (i.e., hasalready been started) by another individual who has access to thenetwork (blocks 3004 and 3006). Accordingly, the individual can play theskins game that is hosted by another individual (block 2800).

The individual may choose, however, to host a new skins game (block3004). The individual may invite certain other individuals to join inthe new hosted skins game (block 3008). The certain other individualsmay be friends, family members, or others with whom the individual isfamiliar. As discussed in detail below, the individual can sendinvitations to others through the network to play the new hosted game(block 3008). The individual can then start the new hosted game (block3010). Because the individual is the host of the game, he or she may berequired to select the number of holes to play (block 3012) or specifyother parameters of the game. The individual can then play the newhosted skins game as described in detail above with respect to process2800 (block 2800).

Instead of inviting certain other individuals to play a new hosted skinsgame, the individual may choose to have other individuals who haveaccess to the network and wish to play a skins game to join in the game.In other words, the individual hosting the new game may be automaticallymatched up with other individuals who wish to play the new hosted game.As discussed in detail below, an indication may be provided on thenetwork that a new hosted game is available so that other individualsmay be notified of the indication and choose to join the new hosted game(block 3014). The individual can then start the new hosted game (block3016). Because the individual is the host of the game, he or she may berequired to select the number of holes to play (block 3018) or specifyother parameters of the game. The individual can then play the newhosted skins game as described in detail above with respect to process2800 (block 2800).

The processes 3000 (including the process 2800) and the operation of aportable electronic device 1000 when the Turn-Based option 2904 isselected are described in detail below. Referring to FIG. 114, when theTurn-Based option 2904 is selected, a new game icon 3030 is displayed,by which the individual may host a new game. Additionally, an existinggame icon 3032 is displayed, by which the individual may join a new gamethat is hosted by another individual. The existing game icon 3032 isshown in FIG. 114 to display “Take Your Turn”, which is indicating to anindividual to take his or her turn in a new game that is hosted byanother individual.

When an individual selects the new game icon 3030, a new game display3050 is displayed on the portable electronic device 1000 as shown inFIG. 115. The new game display 3050 includes a player identificationwindow 3052, which shows the identification of the individual using theportable electronic device 1000 and who is hosting the new game. Theidentification may refer to the individual by name, email address,nickname, network username or user identification, or any text, numbersand/or symbols. In the example of FIG. 115, the individual is identifiedas “Me”. Additionally the player identification window 3052 may showeach player's ranking among all other local and/or remotely locatedparticipants based on previously played matches. In the example of FIG.115, the player identified as “Me” is shown to have a ranking of “#5,560(Bottom 50%).” The individual may wish to add one or more players withan add player icon 3054 or remove one or more players with a removeplayer icon 3056.

As shown in the player identification window 3052, the individual whohosts a new game may either choose to be automatically matched up withother local or remotely located players through the network or invitefriends to play by selecting the Invite Friend icon 3058. Referring toFIG. 116, after the individual selects the Invite Friend icon 3058, alist of the individual's friends who have access to the network may bedisplayed in one or more friend windows 3060. The individual can selectone or more friends from the list to invite to play the skins game byselecting the corresponding friend windows 3060. As shown in the exampleof FIG. 116, selecting each friend may be accomplished by touching thedisplay of the corresponding friend window 3060, which may cause a checkmark confirming the selection to appear in each friend window 3060.Alternatively, the friend window may be highlighted, changed to showdifferent colors, displayed with different text, or changed as comparedto unselected friend windows 3060 to visually convey to the individualwhich friends have been selected. Upon selecting one or more friends,the individual may send an invitation to each selected friend to jointhe new hosted game as shown by the message window 3062 shown by examplein FIG. 117. Upon sending a message such as “want to play a skins game?”by selecting a send icon 3064, the individual is returned to the newgame display 3050 as shown in FIG. 118. However, the new game display3050 of FIG. 118 may now display the name of the one or more friends whohave been invited to play the new hosted game. The individual may havethe option of uninviting one or more of his or her invited friends byselecting the un-invite icon 3066. The individual may also wish to addplayers by using the add player icon 3054 or remove players by using theremove player icon 3056. For example, the individual can select the addplayer icon 3054 so as to invite another friend to play the game.

After inviting one or more friends to play the new hosted game, theindividual can start the game by selecting the play now icon 3068. Theindividual may be presented with a hole selection display 2930 as shownin FIG. 106. After selecting the number of holes to play, the individualmay attempt a certain number of putts for the first hole as disclosedaccording to the process 2800 and with respect to FIGS. 107-109. Afterthe individual plays the first hole, his or her results, e.g., aconsistency score, may be displayed on the portable electronic device1000 as shown in FIG. 109 and also transmitted to the network by theportable electronic device 1000. The individual may then have to waitfor the one or more invited friends to play their turn. Accordingly, asshown in FIG. 119, the portable electronic device 1000 of the firstindividual displays a game display 3070, which may show that one of theinvited friends should take his or her turn. The portable electronicdevice 1000 may send a notification through the network to one or moreindividuals whose turns have arrived to take their turns in playing thegame. The notification may be in the form of visual and/or audiblemessages. For example, when an individual's turn has arrived, theindividual may be notified by email, text, SMS (short message service),and/or any type of audio and/or visual notification. Each individualplaying the game may then take his or her turn according to the process2800 until all of the holes have been played by all of the individualsso that a winner of the game may be determined. After a winner isdetermined according to the process 2800, a match results display 2970as shown in FIG. 111 may be displayed. The match results display 2970may show the points and skin values achieved by each participatingindividual and the placement of each participating individual (i.e., 1stplace, 2nd place, etc.). Furthermore, a scorecard display 2980 as shownin FIG. 112 and disclosed herein may be displayed to all of theparticipating individuals.

Instead of inviting one or more friends to play, the individual canallow other individuals on the network to join the new hosted game.Referring back to FIG. 115, to play with other individuals who haveaccess to the network, the individual (i.e., Me) can select the play nowicon 3068 to start a new game without selecting any friends to play.Accordingly, the individual is Auto-Matched with remotely locatedindividuals. The individual may be matched with any other individualregardless of the players' skill level. Alternatively, the individualmay be matched with another individual based on his or her skills, suchas consistency scores and/or PHcp. The individual may be presented witha hole selection display 2930 as shown in FIG. 94. After selecting thenumber of holes to play, the individual may perform a measure session asdisclosed according to the process 2800 and FIGS. 107-109. After theindividual plays the first hole, his or her results, e.g., a consistencyscore, may be displayed on the portable electronic device 1000 as shownin FIG. 109 and also transmitted to the network by the portableelectronic device 1000. The individual may then have to wait for one ormore individuals who have access to the network to join the game.Another individual may join the game and compete with the firstindividual as described in detail below.

As described above, an individual can host a new game, i.e., start a newgame and play with friends or others who may join the game through thenetwork. However, an individual may choose to join a game that is hostedby another individual. Referring back to FIG. 114, an individual maychoose the take your turn icon 3032 to join a game that is hosted byanother individual. After selecting the take your turn icon 3032, a gamedisplay 3072 may be displayed on the portable electronic device 1000 asshown in FIG. 120. The games display 3072 may show games that have beenstarted by another individual, who has performed a measure session forthe first hole, is waiting for others to join so as to also perform ameasure session for the first hole, and to play the game according tothe process 2800 and FIGS. 107-109. As shown in the example of FIG. 120,the game display 3072 may show several game windows 3074 that representseveral hosted games that may be available for an individual to join. Inthe example of FIG. 120, the games that may be joined are identified bythe identifications of the individuals who have hosted the games. Forexample, FIG. 120 shows the individuals hosting new games to be Player1, Player 2 and Player 3. Each corresponding game window 3074 mayinclude the time when the individual who started the game played thefirst hole and the consistency score of the individual for the firsthole. An individual may join a game by selecting one of the game windows3074 and then selecting play now icon 3068, after which he or she mayperform a measure session for the current hole as disclosed. The gamemay continue according to the process 2800 and FIGS. 107-109 until allof the players have performed measure sessions for all of the holes. Awinner is then determined according to process 2800. After a winner isdetermined, a match results display 2970 as shown in FIG. 111 may bedisplayed. The match results display 2970 may show the points and skinsachieved by each participating individual and the placement of eachparticipating individual (i.e., 1st place, 2nd place, etc.).Furthermore, a scorecard display 2980 as shown in FIG. 112 and disclosedherein may be displayed to all of the participating individuals.

Referring back to FIG. 103, the Hosted option 2906 as shown on the gameselection display 2900 allows several local or remotely locatedindividuals to play one or more skins game and display the results in aleader board on a large display device such as a television or a largedisplay monitor. When an individual selects the Hosted option 2906, anew game icon 3080 is displayed, by which the individual may start orhost a new game as shown in FIG. 121. Additionally, an existing gameicon 3082 is displayed, by which the individual may join a new game thatis hosted or started by another individual. Starting a new game orjoining a new game that is hosted by another individual under the Hostedoption 2906 are similar to starting a new game and take your turnoptions of the Turn-Based option 2904. Accordingly, two or more local orremotely located individuals may play a skins game under the Hostedoption 2906 according to the processes 3008 and FIGS. 107-109.

Referring to FIG. 122, real time results of the game may be displayed ona large display device such as a television screen, a computer monitor,a projection screen or the like for viewing for one or more observers.The real time results may be transmitted to an external monitor ortelevision directly and/or via a digital media receiver (e.g., an APPLETV® digital media extender via the AIRPLAY® software feature from AppleInc., Cupertino, Calif.).

The real time results may be displayed as a leader board display 3084,which may show the identifications of all participating players in aplayers area 3090 including an indication of which player is currentlyplaying, an indication of the hole being currently played and the skinsvalue/points for the hole in a current hole display area 3092, and acurrent score card 3094. The players area 3090 may show theidentification of each play in a listing or bracket format. Anindication of the player who is currently playing may be provided byvisually distinguishing that player's identification. For example, aplayer's identification may be highlighted, shown with different colors,shown with different style of text, shown with a flashing display, ordisplayed in any manner so that an observer can instantly determine thatthe particular player identified on the players area 3090 is taking hisor her turn. The existing game icon 3032 is shown in FIG. 122 to display“Take Your Turn”, which is indicating to an individual to take his orher turn in a new game started by another individual. Thus, one, a fewor a large number of observers and view real time information about askins game with the leader board display 3084.

Displaying a leader board display 3084 is not limited to the Hostedoption 2906 and may be provided with the Pass-And-Play option 2902 andthe Turn Based option 2904. For example, with the Pass-And-Play option2902, the portable electronic device 1000 that is used by all of theplayers may transmit display data corresponding to the leader boarddisplay 3084 to a remote display such as a television screen by any ofthe disclosed wireless transmission processes described herein. With theTurn Based option 2904, for example, all of the players may choose totransmit display data corresponding to the leader board display 3084 toat least one remote display device, such as a television or a monitor.Thus, the leader board display 3084 may be provided as a display optionfor the Pass-And-Play option 2902, the Turn Based option 2904 and theHosted option 2906.

Referring back to FIG. 13, the sensors of the portable electronic device1000 may require a calibration so that correct linear and/or angularorientation, acceleration, positions and other motion related parametersare measured by the portable electronic device 1000 during operationand/or performance of any of the disclosed processes. According to oneexample, any of the disclosed operational displays may include acalibration icon 2611, selection of which causes the portable electronicdevice 1000 to perform a calibration process. Referring for example toFIG. 87, the calibration icon 2611 is shown. Upon selecting of thecalibration icon 2611, a calibration screen 3500 is displayed as shownin FIG. 123. The calibration screen 3500 may instruct an individual tomove the portable electronic device to a certain position forcalibration. In the example of FIG. 123, the calibration screen 3500 isshown to instruct an individual to move the portable electronic deviceto a vertical position, which may be accurately performed by placing theportable electronic device against two perpendicular walls as shown.Upon correct placement as shown, the individual can press the “calibratenow” icon 3502 so that the portable electronic device records theposition as a generally accurate vertical position. All measurements ofthe sensors 1112 may then be referenced according to the calibratedposition. The individual may decide to skip the calibration step byselecting the skip icon 3504. The individual may also decide to resetthe calibration by selecting the reset icon 3506.

Although a particular order of actions is described above with respectto each of the processes, these actions may be performed in othertemporal sequences. For example, two or more actions described above maybe performed sequentially, concurrently, or simultaneously.Alternatively, two or more actions may be performed in reversed order.Further, one or more actions described above may not be performed atall. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture describedherein are not limited in this regard.

As the rules to golf may change from time to time (e.g., new regulationsmay be adopted or old rules may be eliminated or modified by golfstandard organizations and/or governing bodies), golf equipment relatedto the methods and articles of manufacture described herein may beconforming or non-conforming to the rules of golf at any particulartime. Accordingly, golf equipment related to the systems, methods, andarticles of manufacture described herein may be advertised, offered forsale, and/or sold as conforming or non-conforming golf equipment. Thesystems, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are notlimited in this regard.

While the above examples may be described in connection with aputter-type golf club, the systems, methods, and articles of manufacturedescribed herein may be applicable to other types of golf club such as adriver-type golf club, a fairway wood-type golf club, a hybrid-type golfclub, an iron-type golf club, or a wedge-type golf club. Alternatively,the systems, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein maybe applicable other type of sports equipment such as a hockey stick, atennis racket, a fishing pole, a ski pole, etc.

Although certain example systems, methods, and articles of manufacturehave been described herein, the scope of coverage of this disclosure isnot limited thereto. On the contrary, this disclosure covers allsystems, methods, and articles of manufacture fairly falling within thescope of the appended claims either literally or under the doctrine ofequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: collecting data with a firstelectronic device, the data being related to at least one of position ormotion of a golf club at least one of before, during or after at leastone golf stroke performed with the golf club, the first electronicdevice being portable and attached to the golf club; determining withthe first electronic device at least one of at least one strokecharacteristic or at least one golf club characteristic based on thedata, the at least one golf club characteristic configured to improveperformance at least one of before, during or after a golf stroke; andproviding information to at least a second electronic device, theinformation comprising at least one of at least a portion of the data,the at least one stroke characteristic or the at least one golf clubcharacteristic.
 2. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the at leastone stroke characteristic comprises at least one of closing angle,impact angle, tempo, lie angle or loft angle associated with the atleast one golf stroke.
 3. A method as defined in claim 1, whereindetermining the at least one golf club characteristic is based on the atleast one stroke characteristic of the at least one golf strokeperformed with the golf club.
 4. A method as defined in claim 1, furthercomprising attaching a portable electronic device holder to the golfclub, and attaching the first electronic device to the portableelectronic device holder.
 5. A method as defined in claim 1, whereinproviding information to at least the second electronic device comprisestransmitting the information from the first electronic device directlyto at least the second electronic device.
 6. A method as defined inclaim 1, wherein providing information to at least the second electronicdevice comprises transmitting the information from the first electronicdevice to a server, and providing the information by the server to atleast the second electronic device.
 7. A method as defined in claim 1,wherein providing information to at least the second electronic devicecomprises receiving a request by the first electronic device from atleast the second electronic device for the information, and transmittingthe information to at least the second electronic device responsive tothe request.
 8. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein providinginformation to at least the second electronic device comprises:transmitting the information from the first electronic device to aserver; receiving a request for the information by the server from atleast the second electronic device; and transmitting the informationfrom the server to at least the second electronic device responsive tothe request.
 9. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein providinginformation to at least the second electronic device comprises providinginformation related to at least one of physical characteristics of anindividual performing the at least one golf stroke with the golf club,fitting the golf club for the individual, or the individual training toplay golf.
 10. A method comprising: indicating with at least oneportable electronic device to each of a plurality of individuals toperform a plurality of golf strokes; determining with the at least oneportable electronic device at least one stroke characteristic for eachgolf stroke of each individual; and determining with the portableelectronic device a measure of performance of each individual for theplurality of golf strokes performed by each of the plurality ofindividuals based on the at least one stroke characteristic of each ofthe plurality of golf strokes performed by each individual.
 11. A methodas defined in claim 10, further comprising indicating with the portableelectronic device the measure of performance of each of the plurality ofindividuals.
 12. A method as defined in claim 10, wherein the measure ofperformance of each individual is a consistency score of each individualcomprising a measure of consistency of the at least one strokecharacteristic for the plurality of golf strokes performed by eachindividual.
 13. A method as defined in claim 10, comprising indicatingto each individual of the plurality of individuals to perform a selectednumber of golf strokes, and determining with the portable electronicdevice the measure of performance of each individual for the selectednumber of golf strokes before indicating to another individual of theplurality of individuals to perform the selected number of golf strokes.14. A method as defined in claim 10, wherein the measure of performanceof each individual is a consistency score of each individual comprisinga measure of consistency of the at least one stroke characteristic forthe plurality of golf strokes performed by each individual, and furthercomprising indicating the consistency scores of the plurality ofindividuals.
 15. A method as defined in claim 10, wherein the pluralityof golf strokes performed by each individual comprises a selected numberof golf strokes for a plurality of golf holes.
 16. A method as definedin claim 10, further comprising determining at least one of a selectednumber golf strokes to perform for each individual or a selected numberof golf holes to play for each individual.
 17. An article of manufactureincluding content, which when accessed, causes a machine to: collectdata related to at least one of position or motion of a golf club atleast one of before, during or after at least one golf stroke performedwith the golf club; determine at least one of at least one strokecharacteristic or at least one golf club characteristic based on thedata, the at least one golf club characteristic configured to improveperformance at least one of before, during or after a golf stroke; andprovide information to at least one electronic device, the informationcomprising at least one of at least a portion of the data, the at leastone stroke characteristic or the at least one golf club characteristic.18. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 17, which whenaccessed, causes the machine to determine the at least one strokecharacteristic by determining at least one of closing angle, impactangle, tempo, lie angle or loft angle associated with the at least onegolf stroke.
 19. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 17, whichwhen accessed, causes the machine to determine the at least one golfclub characteristic based on the at least one stroke characteristic ofthe at least one golf stroke performed with the golf club.
 20. Anarticle of manufacture as defined in claim 17, which when accessed,causes the machine to provide information to the at least one electronicdevice by transmitting the information directly to the at least oneelectronic device.
 21. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 17,which when accessed, causes the machine to provide information to at theleast one electronic device by transmitting the information to a server,and providing the information by the server to at the least oneelectronic device.
 22. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 17,which when accessed, causes the machine to provide information to the atleast one electronic device by receiving a request from at least oneelectronic device for the information, and transmitting the informationto the at least one electronic device responsive to the request.
 23. Anarticle of manufacture as defined in claim 17, which when accessed,causes the machine to provide information to the at least one electronicdevice by: transmitting the information to a server; receiving a requestfor the information by the server from the at least one electronicdevice; and transmitting the information to the at least one electronicdevice responsive to the request.
 24. An article of manufacture asdefined in claim 17, which when accessed, causes the machine to provideinformation to at the least one electronic device by providinginformation related to at least one of physical characteristics of anindividual performing the at least one golf stroke with the golf club,fitting the golf club for the individual, or the individual training toplay golf.